Method and apparatus for tricuspid valve repair using tension

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is provided, including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, a tissue anchor, and a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about a central longitudinal axis thereof when surrounded by the annular loop. The apparatus also includes a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element. The annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant. Other applications are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application PCT/IL2011/00064, filed Jan. 20, 2011, entitled, “Tricuspid valve repair using tension,” which published as WO 2011/089601, and which claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/692,061, filed Jan. 22, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,525, and is entitled, “Tricuspid valve repair using tension.” All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

Some applications of the present invention relate in general to valve repair. More specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to repair of a tricuspid valve of a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is governed by several pathophysiologic abnormalities such as tricuspid valve annular dilatation, annular shape, pulmonary hypertension, left or right ventricle dysfunction, right ventricle geometry, and leaflet tethering. Treatment options for FTR are primarily surgical. The current prevalence of moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation is estimated to be 1.6 million in the United States. Of these, only 8,000 patients undergo tricuspid valve surgeries annually, most of them in conjunction with left heart valve surgeries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some applications of the present invention, apparatus and methods are provided for repairing a tricuspid valve of a patient using tension. Typically, the apparatus and methods for repairing the tricuspid valve facilitate reducing of tricuspid valve regurgitation by altering the geometry of the tricuspid valve and/or by altering the geometry of the wall of the right atrium of the heart of the patient. In some applications of the present invention, a first tissue-engaging element is implanted in a first portion of tissue that is upstream of the tricuspid valve of the patient. A second tissue-engaging element is then implanted in a second portion of tissue that is upstream of the tricuspid valve of the patient. Typically, a distance between the leaflets of the tricuspid valve is adjusted by pulling on and applying tension to the longitudinal member responsively to pulling on the second tissue-engaging element prior to implanting the second tissue-engaging element. Alternatively or additionally, following implantation of both the first and second tissue-engaging elements, the distance between the leaflets of the tricuspid valve is adjusted by pulling a longitudinal member that connects the first and second tissue-engaging elements or by pulling at least one of the tissue-engaging elements. For some applications, the longitudinal member is coupled at least in part to an adjusting mechanism, and the longitudinal member is pulled or relaxed responsively to actuation of the adjusting mechanism. In some applications, a delivery tool is provided which facilitates implantation of the first and second tissue-engaging elements.

In some applications of the present invention, apparatus and method are provided to achieve bicuspidization of the tricuspid valve. For such applications, typically, the anterior leaflet and the septal leaflet are drawn together to enhance coaptation.

For some applications, the first tissue-engaging element comprises a tissue anchor (e.g., a helical tissue anchor) which is implanted in a portion of tissue surrounding an annulus of the tricuspid valve (e.g., an anterior-posterior commissure). Typically, the second tissue-engaging element comprises a stent which is expanded in a portion of a blood vessel of a patient, e.g., the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, coronary sinus, or a hepatic vein, e.g., the left hepatic vein, the right hepatic vein, or the middle hepatic vein. During the adjusting of the distance between the first and second tissue-engaging elements, the physician monitors a parameter indicative of regurgitation of the tricuspid valve. Responsively to the pulling of the longitudinal element, the geometry of the right atrium is altered, thereby drawing together the leaflets of the tricuspid valve.

It is to be noted that for some applications of the present invention, the first tissue-engaging element comprises a second stent which is expanded in a portion of a second blood vessel of the patient, e.g., the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the coronary sinus, or a hepatic vein, e.g., the left hepatic vein, the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein.

For some applications, a plurality of second tissue-engaging elements are provided (such as two or three), which are implanted in respective portions of cardiac tissue in a vicinity of the heart valve. For some applications, a longitudinal member is (a) directly coupled to the first tissue-engaging element, (b) directly coupled to one of the second tissue-engaging elements, and (c) indirectly coupled to two others of the second tissue-engaging elements by a longitudinal sub-member.

For still other applications of the present invention, both the first and second tissue-engaging elements comprise respective first and second tissue anchors. Each tissue anchor punctures a respective portion of cardiac tissue of the patient and is implanted at least in part in the respective portion of cardiac tissue. The tensioning element couples the first and second tissue anchors and is adjusted following implantation of the first and second tissue anchors by pulling or relaxing the tensioning element.

For some applications of the present invention, a torque-delivering tool is provided for rotating a tissue anchor, so as to drive the anchor into tissue. The torque-delivering tool comprises a torque-delivering cable, a distal end of which comprises a first coupling that is configured to removably engage a second coupling coupled to the anchor in a controlled manner, such that rotation of the torque-delivering cable rotates the anchor. For some applications, the apparatus further comprises an anti-entanglement device which prevents entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the anchor.

For some applications, the stents described hereinabove comprise a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts. For some applications, the stents described herein comprise a force-distributing element providing means to connect the stent to the flexible member and distribute tension applied from the flexible member to the stent along a longitudinal length of the stent.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:

a radially-expandable percutaneous implant;

a tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis;

a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular loop; and

a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element, the annular loop of the connecting element facilitating rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal member includes a plurality of fibers.

In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are arranged such that the longitudinal member has a length of between 10 mm and 300 mm, a width of between 1 and 4 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are arranged such that the longitudinal member has a length of between 20 mm and 80 mm, a width of between 1 and 4 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are interwoven so as to form a fabric.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes:

a tube, which is sized to pass through a lumen defined by the percutaneous implant, the tube having at least one tube lumen, and

a torque-delivering tool configured for slidable passage through the tube, the torque-delivering tool is configured to be removably coupled to the tissue anchor, such that rotation of the torque-delivering tool rotates the tissue anchor.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a sheath configured to surround the percutaneous implant such that the percutaneous implant is maintained in a crimped state when the sheath surrounds the implant, and the sheath is slidable with respect to the tube in order to expose the implant from within the sheath.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a secondary tube through which a guidewire may be passed, the secondary tube being configured to be disposed alongside the tube surrounding the torque-delivering tool, the guidewire being configured to facilitate guiding of the apparatus through vasculature of a patient.

In some applications of the present invention:

the connecting element is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler at a proximal portion thereof that is proximal to the annular loop,

the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler is coupled to the second portion of the flexible longitudinal member, and

the torque-delivering tool passes alongside the flexible longitudinal member in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes an anti-entanglement device coupled to the tube at a distal portion thereof, the anti-entanglement device is configured to restrict entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during (1) rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor, and (2) rotation of the anchor with respect to the surrounding annular loop of the connecting element.

In some applications of the present invention, the anti-entanglement device is configured to be disposed adjacently to the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes:

the torque-delivering tool includes a first coupling at a distal end thereof, and

the apparatus further includes an adapter head coupled to the tissue anchor at a proximal end of the tissue anchor, the adapter head including a second coupling reversibly couplable to the first coupling in a manner which:

-   -   (1) couples the tissue anchor to the torque-delivering tool when         the first and second couplings are coupled together, and     -   (2) decouples the tissue anchor from the torque-delivering tool         when the first and second couplings are not coupled together.

In some applications of the present invention, the first coupling includes a male coupling, the second coupling includes a female coupling, and the first and second couplings are couplable together by being matingly engaged.

In some applications of the present invention, when the distal end of the tool is surrounded by the tube, the first and second couplings are disposed within the tube and are engaged, and the tool is slidable within the tube so as to expose the distal end of the tool and the first and second couplings from within the tube in order to facilitate disengaging of the couplings.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a proximal handle portion coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, the handle portion including:

a holder having a recess, the holder being coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, and

an anchor-deployment actuator including a proximal knob and a distal protrusion slidable within the recess of the holder, wherein:

-   -   the anchor-deployment actuator is coupled to a proximal portion         of the torque-delivering tool,     -   the torque-delivering tool is slidable within the tube,     -   the anchor-deployment actuator is rotatable to rotate the         torque-delivering tool and the anchor, and     -   during a pushed state of the anchor-deployment actuator, the         protrusion slides distally within the recess of the holder, and         responsively, the torque-delivering tool is pushed distally to         expose the first and second couplings from within the tube and         disengage the first and second couplings.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a safety coupled to the holder configured to prevent unwanted sliding distally of the protrusion of the anchor-deployment actuator within the recess of the holder.

In some applications of the present invention, at least a proximal portion of the tissue anchor is shaped so as to define an opening and a passage therethrough, and the adapter head is shaped so as to define a distal protrusion sized so as to fit within the passage, thereby coupling the adapter head to the tissue anchor.

In some applications of the present invention:

a portion of the adapter head that is between the distal protrusion and the second coupling is shaped so as to define a longest dimension at a first cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor,

the annular loop of the connecting element is shaped so as to define a longest dimension a second cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor, and

the proximal portion of the adapter head is disposed coaxially proximally to the annular loop along the longitudinal axis in a manner which restricts decoupling of the connecting element from the tissue anchor.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant is shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element, and the first portion of the flexible longitudinal element is coupled to the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element.

In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element and the percutaneous implant are fabricated from a single unit.

In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element has a width of between 1 and 4 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of a widest strut is between 100 and 500 micron, and a width of the tension-distributing element is between 1 and 4 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of the tension-distributing element is at least 13 times a width of a widest strut of the stent.

In some applications of the present invention, a longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is at least 15% of the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant is between 20 and 120 mm, and the longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is between 10 and 120 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent.

In some applications of the present invention, a first section of the stent includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and

each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,

each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and

each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.

In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a first section configured, in a radially-expanded state of the stent, to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than a second section of the stent.

In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, and each wire segment of the second portion has a length greater than a length of a respective wire segment of the first portion.

In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, and each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of a respective wire segment of the second portion.

In some applications of the present invention, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness of between 50 and 1000 micron, and each wire segment of the second portion has a thickness of between 50 and 1000 micron.

In some applications of the present invention, the first section includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peak and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and

each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,

each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and

each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.

In some applications of the present invention, the second section includes a plurality of vertical elements extending from the first portion.

In some applications of the present invention, the vertical elements each have a length of between 10 and 80 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a third portion configured, in the radially-expanded state of the stent, to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than the second section of the stent.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:

providing (a) a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, (b) tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (c) a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular ring, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which has a first portion that is coupled to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and a second portion that is coupled to the connecting element;

positioning the percutaneous implant in a blood vessel of a patient;

coupling the tissue anchor to tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve of the patient by rotating the anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant; and

after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue, deploying the percutaneous implant such that the implant expands and is implanted in the blood vessel at an implantation site.

In some applications of the present invention, the method includes, after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue and before deploying the percutaneous implant, pulling the anchor toward the implantation site.

In some applications of the present invention, the blood vessel is selected from the group of blood vessels consisting of: a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, a coronary sinus, and a hepatic vein.

In some applications of the present invention, rotating includes rotating the anchor using a tube, which passes through a lumen defined by the stent, and which is removably coupled to the tissue anchor.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:

providing (a) a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, (b) tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (c) a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular ring, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which has a first portion that is coupled to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and a second portion that is coupled to the connecting element; and

rotating the anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant while restricting rotation of the flexible longitudinal member.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:

a radially-expandable percutaneous implant shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element; and

a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element, the tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tissue anchor coupled to the flexible longitudinal member at a second portion thereof, the tissue anchor and the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the tension-distributing element.

In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element and the percutaneous implant are fabricated from a single unit.

In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element has a width of between 1 and 4 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of a widest strut is between 100 and 500 micron and a width of the tension-distributing element is between 1 and 4 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of the tension-distributing element is at least 13 times a width of a widest strut of the stent.

In some applications of the present invention, a longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is at least 15% of the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant is between 20 and 120 mm, and the longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is between 10 and 120 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent.

In some applications of the present invention, a first section of the stent includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and

each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,

each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and

each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.

In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a first section configured to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than a second section of the stent.

In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, each wire segment of the second portion has a length greater than a length of a respective wire segment of the first portion.

In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of a respective wire segment of the second portion.

In some applications of the present invention, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness of between 100 and 1000 micron, and each wire segment of the second portion has a thickness of between 100 and 1000 micron.

In some applications of the present invention, the first section includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peak and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase,

each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.

In some applications of the present invention:

the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,

each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and

each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.

In some applications of the present invention, the second section includes a plurality of vertical elements extending from the first portion.

In some applications of the present invention, the vertical elements each have a length of between 10 and 60 mm.

In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a third portion configured to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than the second section of the stent.

There is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:

a first radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical structural elements arranged so as to assume a first tubular structure, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, in a radially-expanded state thereof, having a lumen having an inner diameter;

a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant; and

a second radially-expandable percutaneous implant positionable within the lumen of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant:

including a plurality of mechanical structural elements arranged so as to assume a second tubular structure,

being shaped so as to define a plurality of tissue-engaging elements configured to engage tissue of a patient in a radially-expanded state of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant,

in the radially-expanded state thereof, being configured to:

-   -   excluding the plurality of tissue-engaging elements, assume an         outer diameter of the second radially-expandable percutaneous         implant that is at least as large as the inner diameter of the         first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in the         radially-expanded state of the first radially-expandable         percutaneous implant, and     -   provide anchoring of the first radially-expandable percutaneous         implant in the radially-expanded state, to tissue of the patient         by facilitating engaging of the plurality of tissue-engaging         elements with the tissue of the patient in the radially-expanded         state of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tissue anchor coupled to the flexible longitudinal member at a second portion thereof, the tissue anchor and the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the tension-distributing element.

In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of tissue-engaging elements include a plurality of barbs.

In some applications of the present invention, in the radially-expanded state of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant pushes radially against the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:

positioning a first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in a blood vessel of a patient, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical struts arranged so as to assume a first tubular structure, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, in a radially-expanded state thereof, having a lumen having an inner diameter;

applying tension to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant;

while tension is applied to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, expanding the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in the blood vessel in a manner in which the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant exerts a radial force on the blood vessel; and

anchoring the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant to the blood vessel by expanding a second radially-expandable percutaneous implant within the lumen of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical struts arranged so as to assume a second tubular structure, and by the expanding, engaging a plurality of tissue-engaging elements of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant with tissue of the blood vessel.

In some applications of the present invention, expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant includes expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant in a manner in which the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, excluding the plurality of tissue-engaging elements, assumes an outer diameter that is at least as large as the inner diameter of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in the radially-expanded state of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, prior to expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, allowing migration within the blood vessel of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.

In some applications of the present invention, engaging the plurality of tissue-engaging elements of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant with tissue of the blood vessel includes preventing migration of the first radially-expandable, implant within the blood vessel.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D are schematic illustrations of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of a heart valve which comprises a stent, a tissue anchor, and a tensioning element that couples the stent and the tissue anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B are schematic illustrations of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of the heart valve which comprises first and second stents, first and second tissue anchor, and first and second tensioning elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-C are schematic illustrations of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of the heart valve which comprises a single stent, first and second tissue anchor, and first and second tensioning elements, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-C are schematic illustrations of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of a tricuspid valve which comprises first and second stents and first and a tensioning element that couples the first and second stents, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-B are schematic illustrations of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of the heart valve which comprises two or three tissue anchors and a tensioning element that couples the tissue anchors, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of the heart valve which comprises a first anchoring system in the inferior vena cava, a first tissue anchor implanted at the valve, and a second tissue anchor implanted in the papillary muscle;

FIGS. 7A-D are schematic illustrations of a delivery system for a helical tissue anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic illustrations of a system for repairing a tricuspid valve, using a superior vena cava approach and an inferior vena cava approach, respectively, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-D are schematic illustrations of tissue anchors, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-C are schematic illustrations of another delivery system for a helical tissue anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-C are schematic illustrations of the release of the tissue anchor from the delivery system of FIGS. 11A-C, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A-C are schematic illustrations of a stent coupled to a helical anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-C are schematic illustrations of another stent coupled to a helical anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-B are schematic illustrations of yet another stent coupled to a helical anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A-B are schematic illustrations of a first and a second stent configured to be disposed concentrically, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of apparatus for reducing regurgitation of a heart valve which comprises a stent, a tissue anchor, and a tensioning element that couples the stent and the tissue anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-B are schematic illustrations of an alternative portion of the delivery system of FIGS. 1A-C, in accordance with some applications of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an endoluminal implant coupled to a helical anchor, in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D, which are schematic illustrations of a system 20 comprising a first tissue-engaging element 60 a and a second tissue-engaging element 60 b for repairing a tricuspid valve 4 of a heart 2 of a patient, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. First tissue-engaging element 60 a comprises a tissue anchor 40 which is designated for implantation at least in part in cardiac tissue at a first implantation site 30. It is to be noted that tissue anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor by way of illustration and not limitation and that tissue anchor 40 may comprise any tissue anchor for puncturing or clamping cardiac tissue, including, but not limited to, the tissue anchors described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, 10A-D 11A-C, 12A-C, 13A-C, and 14A-C. Second tissue-engaging element 60 b comprises a percutaneous implant, for example, an endoluminal implant, e.g., stent 50, which is designated for implantation in a portion of a blood vessel, e.g., a superior vena cava 10 (not shown) or an inferior vena cava 8 (such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D), at a second implantation site 52. First and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b are coupled together by a flexible longitudinal member 42. Typically, a distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52 is adjusted by pulling to apply tension to or relaxing longitudinal member 42 and/or by applying tension to at least one of first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b. Responsively, a distance between the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 is adjusted to reduce and eliminate regurgitation through valve 4, and thereby, valve 4 is repaired. For some applications, longitudinal member 42 is pulled or relaxed by manipulating second tissue-engaging element 60 b, as is described hereinbelow.

Typically, longitudinal member 42 comprises a flexible biocompatible textile e.g. polyester, nylon, PTFE, ePTFE, PEEK, PEBAX, and/or superelastic material, e.g., nitinol, Typically, longitudinal member 42 comprises a plurality of fibers which are aligned, e.g., woven or intertwined, to form a fabric band, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 11A-C, 13C, and 14C. In some applications of the present invention, longitudinal member 42 comprises a braided polyester suture (e.g., Dacron). In other applications of the present invention, longitudinal member 42 is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some applications of the present invention, longitudinal member 42 comprises a plurality of wires that are intertwined to form a rope structure. For some applications, at least a part of longitudinal member 42 comprises a tension spring and/or a plurality of coils.

For some applications, first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b and longitudinal member 42 are fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b and longitudinal member 42 define a single continuous implant unit. For some applications, at least second tissue-engaging element 60 b and longitudinal member 42 are fabricated from a single piece.

For some applications, second tissue-engaging element 60 b comprises a stent 50 which is advanced toward and expandable in a portion of inferior vena cava 8 (such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D) or superior vena cava 10 (not shown), i.e., a blood vessel that is in direct contact with a right atrium 6 of heart 2 of the patient. Second tissue-engaging element 60 b is implanted at second implantation site 52. As shown, first implantation site 30 comprises a portion of an annulus of tricuspid valve 4, specifically the anteroposterior commissure by way of illustration and not limitation. For some applications, implantation site 30 typically comprises a portion of the annulus of valve 4 that is between (1) the middle of the junction between the annulus and anterior leaflet 14, and (2) the middle of the junction between the annulus and posterior leaflet 16, e.g., between the middle of the junction between the annulus and anterior leaflet 14 and the commissure between the anterior and posterior leaflets. That is, anchor 40 is coupled to, e.g., screwed into, the fibrous tissue of the tricuspid annulus close to the commissure in between anterior leaflet 14 and posterior leaflet 16. Implantation site 30 is typically close to the mural side of valve 4. For such applications, the drawing together of first and second implantation sites 30 and 52 cinches valve 4 and may create a bicuspidization of tricuspid valve 4, and thereby achieve stronger coaptation between anterior leaflet 14 and septal leaflet 12. During the bicuspidization, posterior leaflet 16 may be offset outside the plane of valve 4.

For some applications, first implantation site 30 may include a portion of tissue of a wall defining right atrium 6 of heart 2, typically in a vicinity of the annulus of valve 4. For other applications, first implantation site 30 may include a portion of a wall of a right ventricle of heart 2, a ventricular portion of the annulus of valve 4, or a portion of a papillary muscle of the right ventricle of heart 2, as is shown hereinbelow in FIG. 6. First implantation site 30 is typically a distance away from, e.g., generally opposite, second implantation site 52 so that, following adjusting of longitudinal member 42, first and second implantation sites 30 and 52 are drawn together, and thereby at least first and second leaflets, e.g., all three leaflets, of valve 4 are drawn toward each other. For applications in which first implantation site 30 includes a portion of tissue of the annulus, the adjusting of the distance between implantation sites 30 and 52 alters the geometry of (i.e., changes the configuration of) the annulus of valve 4 and thereby draws together the leaflets of valve 4. For applications in which first implantation site 30 includes tissue of a portion of a wall that defines atrium 6, the adjusting of the distance between implantation sites 30 and 52 alters the geometry of (i.e., changes the configuration of) the wall of atrium 6 and thereby draws together the leaflets of valve 4.

FIG. 1A shows the advancement of a catheter 22 toward atrium 6 of the patient until a distal end 23 of the catheter is disposed within atrium 6, as shown. The procedure is typically performed with the aid of imaging, such as fluoroscopy, transesophageal echo, and/or echocardiography. For some applications, the procedure begins by advancing a semi-rigid guidewire into right atrium 6 of the patient. The guidewire provides a guide for the subsequent advancement of a catheter 22 therealong and into the right atrium. For some applications, once distal end 23 of catheter 22 has entered right atrium 6, the guidewire is retracted from the patient's body. Catheter 22 typically comprises a 14-20 F sheath, although the size may be selected as appropriate for a given patient. Catheter 22 is advanced through vasculature into right atrium 6 using a suitable point of origin typically determined for a given patient. For example:

-   -   catheter 22 may be introduced into the femoral vein of the         patient, through inferior vena cava 8, and into right atrium 6;     -   catheter 22 may be introduced into the basilic vein, through the         subclavian vein through superior vena cava 10, and into right         atrium 6; or     -   catheter 22 may be introduced into the external jugular vein,         through the subclavian vein through superior vena cava 10, and         into right atrium 6.

As shown in FIG. 1A, catheter 22 is advanced through inferior vena cava 8 of the patient and into right atrium 6 using a suitable point of origin typically determined for a given patient. Alternatively, catheter 22 is advanced through superior vena cava 10 of the patient and into right atrium 6 using a suitable point of origin typically determined for a given patient.

Once distal end 23 of catheter 22 is disposed within atrium 6, an anchor-deployment tube 24 is extended from within catheter 22 beyond distal end 23 thereof and toward first implantation site 30. Anchor-deployment tube 24 holds tissue anchor 40 and a distal portion of longitudinal member 42. For some applications, tube 24 is steerable, as is known in the catheter art, while for other applications, a separate steerable element may be coupled to anchor-deployment tube 24. Under the aid of imaging guidance, anchor-deployment tube 24 is advanced toward first implantation site 30 until a distal end thereof contacts cardiac tissue of heart 2 at first implantation site 30. Anchor-deployment tube 24 facilitates atraumatic advancement of first tissue-engaging element 60 a toward first implantation site 30. For such applications in which anchor-deployment tube 24 is used, stent 50 is compressed within a portion of tube 24.

An anchor-manipulating tool (not shown for clarity of illustration), which is slidably disposed within anchor-deployment tube 24, is slid distally within tube 24 so as to push distally tissue anchor 40 of first tissue-engaging element 60 a and expose tissue anchor 40 from within tube 24, as shown in FIG. 1B. For some applications of the present invention, the anchor-manipulating tool is reversibly coupled to anchor 40 and facilitates implantation of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue. For applications in which anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor, as shown, the operating physician rotates the anchor-manipulating tool from a site outside the body of the patient in order to rotate anchor 40 and thereby screw at least a portion of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue.

Alternatively, system 20 is provided independently of the anchor-manipulating tool, and anchor-deployment tube 24 facilitates implantation of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue. For applications in which anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor, as shown, the operating physician rotates anchor-deployment tube 24 from a site outside the body of the patient in order to rotate anchor 40 and thereby screw at least a portion of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue.

It is to be noted that for some applications of the present invention, anchor 40 comprises a clip, jaws, or a clamp which grips and squeezes a portion of cardiac tissue and does not puncture the cardiac tissue.

Following the implantation of anchor 40 at first implantation site 30, anchor-deployment tube 24 is retracted within catheter 22 in order to expose longitudinal member 42, as shown in FIG. 1C. Subsequently, longitudinal member 42 is pulled taut in order to repair tricuspid valve 4, as described hereinbelow.

For some applications, distal end 23 of catheter 22 is fixed in place with respect to longitudinal member 42. Fixing in place catheter 22 stabilizes catheter 22 as longitudinal member 42 is pulled. This enables distal end 23 to remain in place and not slide distally toward implantation site 30 during the adjusting of longitudinal member 42. For some applications of the present invention, a proximal portion of catheter 22 and/or a proximal handle portion coupled to catheter 22 is anchored or otherwise fixed in place at its access location, e.g., by taping or plastering. Alternatively or additionally, a distal portion of catheter 22 comprises an inflatable element coupled to an inflation conduit which runs the length of catheter 22 from the distal portion thereof to a site outside the body of the patient. Prior to the adjusting of longitudinal member 42, the inflatable element is inflated such that it contacts tissue of the vasculature through which catheter 22 is advanced, and thereby catheter 22 is fixed in place. Typically, the inflatable element comprises an annular inflatable element, such that when inflated, the annular inflatable element functions as a seal to hold in place the distal portion of catheter 22.

(In this context, in the specification and in the claims, “proximal” means closer to the orifice through which the implant (i.e., the prosthetic valve and the valve support) is originally placed into the body of the patient, along the path of delivery of the implant, and “distal” means further from this orifice along the path of delivery of the implant.)

Following the fixation of the mechanism that facilitates pulling of longitudinal member 42, the physician then pulls longitudinal member 42 and thereby draws together first and second implantation sites 30 and 52.

For some applications, catheter 22 is reversibly coupled to a proximal portion of longitudinal member 42 by being directly coupled to the proximal portion of member 42 and/or catheter 22 is reversibly coupled to second tissue-engaging element 60 b. For example, catheter 22 may be reversibly coupled to stent 50 by the stent's application of a radial force against the inner wall of catheter 22 because of the tendency of stent 50 to expand radially. Following implantation of first tissue-engaging element 60 a, catheter 22 (or an element disposed therein) is then pulled proximally to apply tension to longitudinal member 42, which, in such an application, functions as a tensioning element. For some applications, catheter 22 pulls on second tissue-engaging element 60 b in order to pull longitudinal member 42. For other applications, catheter 22 pulls directly on longitudinal member 42. For yet other applications, a pulling mechanism pulls on longitudinal member 42, as is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D.

Pulling longitudinal member 42 pulls taut the portion of longitudinal member 42 that is disposed between anchor 40 and distal end 23 of catheter 22. Additionally, longitudinal member 42 may be pulled or relaxed in order to adjust the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52. Responsively to the pulling of longitudinal member 42, at least the anterior and septal leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 are drawn together because the geometry of the annulus and/or of the wall of atrium 6 is altered in accordance with the pulling of longitudinal member 42 and depending on the positioning of first tissue-engaging element 60 a. For some applications, during the pulling of longitudinal member 42 by catheter 22, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored and a parameter indicative of repair of valve 4 is monitored. For example, leaflet anatomy during the opening and closing of valve 4 is assessed using an imaging device such as intracardiac echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. For some applications, during the monitoring, measurements used to assess the efficiency of the procedure are evaluated pre-, during, and post-procedure. For example, these measurements could include, but not exclusively, measuring the echocardiographic distance between the anteroposterior commissure and the rim at the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium, or measuring the echocardiographic regurgitant volume through tricuspid valve 4. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases.

Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, the physician decouples catheter 22 from second tissue-engaging element 60 b disposed therein and/or from longitudinal member 42, and then retracts catheter 22 in order to expose second tissue-engaging element 60 b, i.e., stent 50. During the advancement of catheter 22 toward atrium 6, stent 50 is disposed within a distal portion of catheter 22 in a compressed state. Following initial retracting of catheter 22, stent 50 is exposed and is allowed to expand and contact a wall of inferior vena cava 8. Responsively to the expanding, stent 50 is implanted in second implantation site 52 and maintains the tension of longitudinal member 42 on anchor 40 and thereby on the portion of cardiac tissue to which anchor 40 is coupled.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 1A-D. For some applications, following the implantation of first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b, a distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b is adjusted by an adjustable mechanism, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-B. In such applications, a length of longitudinal member 42 between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b may be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism 150, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a distance of longitudinal member 42 between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b. For some applications, adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to longitudinal member 42 (not shown) and comprises an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping portions of longitudinal member 42 therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening a portion of longitudinal member 42, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms a portion of longitudinal member 42 in order to shorten its length between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b. A level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b by adjusting mechanism 150.

For some applications, such as shown in FIG. 1D, stent 50 comprises a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts, arranged so as to allow crimping the stent into a relatively small diameter (typically less than 8 mm) catheter, while allowing deployment to a much larger diameter (typically more than 20 mm) in the vena cava, while still maintaining radial force against the vena cava tissue, in order to anchor stent 50 to the wall of the vena cava by friction.

For some applications, such as those described with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, longitudinal member 42 has a length of at least 10 mm, no more than 40 mm, and/or between 10 and 40 mm.

The configuration of stent 50 that is shown in FIG. 1D deployed in inferior vena cava 8 may instead be deployed in superior vena cava 10 (deployment not shown).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-D, which are schematic illustrations of a delivery tool system 200 for implanting anchor 40, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Delivery tool system 200 may be used, for example, to rotate and implant an anchor in combination with the applications described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 5A-B, 6, 8, 9, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, and 17. Although longitudinal member 42 is shown in FIGS. 7A-D as being fixed to stent 50, this is not necessarily the case, and tool system 200 thus may also be used in combination with the applications that do not utilize stent 50, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 3C and 5A-B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D and 7A-D. It is to be noted that anchor 40 may be implanted using delivery tool system 200. FIG. 7A shows an exploded view of the components of delivery tool system 200 and its spatial orientation relative to stent 50, longitudinal member 42, and anchor 40. In such an application, a distal end of longitudinal member 42 comprises an annular loop 216, through which a portion of anchor 40 is coupled to the distal end of longitudinal member 42. For some such applications, stent 50, longitudinal member 42, and anchor 40 are not fabricated from the same piece, as described hereinabove; rather, only stent 50, longitudinal member 42, and annular loop 216 are typically fabricated from a single piece, and anchor 40 is coupled to longitudinal member 42 via annular loop 216. Alternatively, as mentioned above, longitudinal member 42 is not coupled to stent 50, such as for applications in which stent 50 is not provided.

System 200 typically comprises an adapter 218, which, for some applications, is shaped so as to define an annular proximal portion and a distal cylindrical portion having a distal end 220. During the manufacture of system 200, distal end 220 of the cylindrical portion of adapter 218 is slid through annular loop 218 at the distal end of longitudinal member 42, thereby coupling adapter 218 to the distal end of longitudinal member 42. Distal end 220 of adapter 218 is then welded or otherwise fixedly coupled to a proximal portion of an inner lumen of anchor 40, as shown in FIG. 7B. This coupling arrangement of anchor 40 to annular loop 216 and adapter 218 enables anchor 40 to rotate about a central longitudinal axis of delivery system 200, freely within annular loop 216. That is, delivery tool system 200 rotates anchor 40 without rotating longitudinal member 42 and stent 50 (if provided), as described hereinbelow.

Delivery tool system 200 comprises a delivery tool overtube 202 having a distal end thereof. For application in which stent 50 is provided, delivery tool overtube 202 is housed within catheter 22 such that a distal portion thereof passes in part through the lumen of stent 50 and a distal end 204 thereof extends toward tissue anchor 40. During delivery of tissue anchor 40 and stent 50 toward their respective implantation sites, deliver tool system 200 assumes the configuration shown in FIG. 7B. It is to be noted, however, that stent 50 is compressed around the portion of overtube 202 that extends through the lumen of stent 50 (not shown for clarity of illustration), and that catheter 22 (not shown for clarity of illustration) surrounds system 200 (and thereby compresses stent 50).

Reference is again made to FIG. 7A. Overtube 202 houses a torque-delivering and an anchor-pulling tube 208 and facilitates slidable coupling of tube 208 to overtube 202. A distal end of torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 is coupled to a manipulator 206 which is shaped so as to define a coupling 210 which couples manipulator 206 to adapter 218, and thereby, to anchor 40. In order to rotate anchor 40, torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 is rotated. As torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 is rotated, manipulator 206 is rotated in order to screw anchor 40 into the cardiac tissue of the patient. As adapter 218 rotates, the cylindrical portion thereof rotates freely within annular loop 216. This coupling arrangement of adapter 218 (and thereby anchor 40) to loop 216 (and thereby longitudinal member 42) enables the physician to rotate and implant anchor 40 without rotating longitudinal member 42 and stent 50 (if provided).

Following rotation of anchor 40, torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 is pulled by the physician in order to pull on anchor 40 and thereby on the portion of cardiac tissue to which anchor 40 is implanted at first implantation site 30. Tube 208 is typically coupled at a proximal end thereof to a mechanical element, e.g., a knob, at the handle portion outside the body of the patient. The physician pulls on tube 208 by actuating the mechanical element that is coupled to the proximal end of tube 208. This pulling of tube 208, and thereby of anchor 40 and of cardiac tissue at first implantation site 30, draws first implantation site toward second implantation site 52 and thereby draws at least anterior leaflet 14 toward septal leaflet 12 in order to achieve coaptation of the leaflets and reduce regurgitation through valve 4.

For some applications in which stent 50 is provided, following the pulling of anchor 40, stent 50 is positioned at second implantation site 52. Catheter 22 is then retracted slightly along tube 202 so as to pull taut longitudinal member 42 and to ensure that tension is maintained at first implantation site 30 and along longitudinal member 42. Stent 50 is then deployed when the physician holds torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tool 208 and then retracts proximally either (1) catheter 22 or (2) a sheath (i.e., that is disposed within catheter 22 and surrounds stent 50), around stent 50 so as to deploy stent 50 from within either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22.

It is to be noted that stent 50 is retrievable following at least partial deployment thereof, e.g., following deployment of up to ½ or up to ⅓ of stent 50. In such an application, following the initial retraction proximally of catheter 22 from around stent 50 in order to deploy at least a distal portion of stent 50, catheter 22 is advanceable distally so as to compress and retrieve the at least partially-deployed stent back into the distal end portion of catheter 22. Alternatively, catheter 22 houses a sheath which compresses stent 50 during delivery of stent to second implantation site 52. During the initial retracting of catheter 22 proximally, the sheath surrounding stent 50 is also retracted in conjunction with the retracting of catheter 22. Following the at least partial deployment of stent 50 in order to deploy at least a distal portion of stent 50, the sheath is advanceable distally (while catheter 22 remains in place) so as to compress and retrieve the at least partially-deployed stent back into the distal end portion of the sheath. The sheath is then retracted into catheter 22. For such applications of the present invention in which stent 50 is retrievable following at least partial deployment thereof, anchor 40 can then be unscrewed from first implantation site 30 and the entire implant system may be extracted from the body, or repositioned in the heart, depending on the need of a given patient.

For applications in which stent 50 is retrievable, in order to retrieve stent 50 (i.e., prior to the decoupling of manipulator 206 from adapter 218 and thereby from anchor 40), the physician holds torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tool 208 and then advances distally either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22, around stent 50 so as to compress stent 50 within either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22. Torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tool 208 may then be rotated in order to unscrew anchor 40 from the tissue, and the entire system may be extracted from the body, or repositioned in the heart, depending on the need of a given patient.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 7A-D. FIGS. 7C-D show the decoupling and release of torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 and manipulator 206 from adapter 218 and anchor 40. This release occurs typically following the deployment of stent 50 (if provided), as described hereinabove. As shown in FIG. 7A, system 200 comprises a releasable adapter holder 212 which is shaped so as to define arms 214 which have a tendency to expand radially. Holder 212 surrounds manipulator 206, as shown in FIG. 7C. During the delivery of anchor 40 toward implantation site 30 and the subsequent rotation of anchor 40 to screw anchor 40 into tissue at site 30, a distal end 204 of overtube 202 is disposed adjacently to loop 216 such that a distal end portion of overtube 202 surrounds and compresses arms 214 of holder 212 (as shown in FIG. 7B). Following the pulling of anchor 40 by torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208, overtube 202 is retracted slightly in order to expose arms 214 of holder 212. Responsively, arms 214 expand radially (FIG. 7C) and release adapter 218 (and thereby anchor 40) from holder 212.

As shown in FIG. 7D, overtube 202 is held in place while the physician retracts tube 208 so as to collapse and draw arms 214 into the distal end portion of overtube 202. Overtube 202 is then slid proximally within catheter 22 leaving behind anchor 40, adapter 218 coupled to anchor 40, loop 216, longitudinal member 42, and stent 50 (if provided). Catheter 22, that houses overtube 202 and the components disposed therein, is extracted from the body of the patient.

For some applications, such as those described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, longitudinal member 42 has a length of at least 10 mm, no more than 40 mm, and/or between 10 and 40 mm.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 1A-D. It is to be noted that tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b may be implanted at their respective implantation sites 30 and 50, as described hereinabove, by advancing catheter 22 and tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b through superior vena cava 10, mutatis mutandis.

FIGS. 2A-B show a system 100 for repairing tricuspid valve 4 comprising first and second stents 50 a and 50 b, first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, and first and second tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b. First tissue anchor 40 a defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a. First stent 50 a defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b. Second tissue anchor 40 b defines a third tissue-engaging element 60 c. Second stent 50 b defines a fourth tissue-engaging element 60 d. For some applications of the present invention, following the implantation of first tissue-engaging element 60 a and second tissue-engaging element 60 b, such as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d are then implanted. As described hereinabove, first implantation site 30, as shown, comprises a portion of tissue that is in a vicinity of the commissure between anterior leaflet 14 and posterior leaflet 16. First implantation site 30 may comprise a portion of tissue that is between (1) the middle of the junction between the annulus and anterior leaflet 14, and (2) the middle of the junction between the annulus and posterior leaflet 16.

Following the implantation of first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b, catheter 22 is retracted from the body of the patient. Outside the body of the patient, catheter 22 is reloaded with third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d. Catheter 22 is then reintroduced within the body of the patient and is advanced toward right atrium 6, as shown in FIG. 2A, such that distal end 23 thereof passes through first stent 50 a and toward atrium 6. It is to be noted that a proximal end portion of longitudinal member 42 a is coupled to second tissue-engaging element 60 b and is not disposed within catheter 22.

Subsequently, a second tissue anchor 40 b (i.e., an anchor that is similar to tissue anchor 40 a, as described hereinabove) is implanted at a second portion of cardiac tissue at a third implantation site 32. Third implantation site 32 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). Third implantation site 32, as shown, comprises a portion of tissue that is between (1) the middle of the junction between the annulus and anterior leaflet 14, and (2) the middle of the junction between the annulus and posterior leaflet 16. For some applications, third implantation site 32 may comprise a second portion of the wall that defines right atrium 6. For other applications, third implantation site 32 may comprise a portion of cardiac tissue in the right ventricle, e.g., a portion of the wall that defines the right ventricle, a ventricular portion of the annulus of valve 4, or a portion of a papillary muscle of the right ventricle.

Following implantation of third tissue-engaging element 60 c, catheter 22 is retracted and tension is applied to third tissue-engaging element 60 c in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1C-D with regard to the application of tension to implantation site 30. Additionally, tension is applied to a second longitudinal member 42 b which couples third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d, e.g., in a manner as described hereinabove with regard to the pulling of first longitudinal member 42 a, with reference to FIG. 1C. As described herein, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the pulling tissue of third implantation site 32 toward second implantation site 52 and of second longitudinal member 42 b.

Additionally, responsively to the pulling of tissue at first and third implantation sites 30 and 32 toward second implantation site 52, anterior leaflet 14 is drawn toward septal leaflet 12, and bicuspidization is achieved. Also, responsively to the pulling, a portion of tissue that is between first and third implantation sites 30 and 32 is cinched. Further, responsively to the pulling, posterior leaflet 16 is reduced and moved out of a plane of valve 4 during the bicuspidization.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2B. Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, catheter 22 is decoupled from fourth tissue-engaging element 60 d and/or from second longitudinal member 42 b, and the physician retracts catheter 22 in order to expose fourth tissue-engaging element 60 d, i.e., second stent 50 b, as shown. During the advancement of catheter 22 toward atrium 6, second stent 50 b is disposed within a distal portion of catheter 22 in a compressed state. Following initial retracting of catheter 22, second stent 50 b is exposed and is allowed to expand within a lumen of first stent 50 a, as shown, in order to contact a wall of inferior vena cava 8. Responsively to the expanding, second stent 50 b is implanted in second implantation site 52 and maintains the tension of second longitudinal member 42 b on second tissue anchor 40 b and thereby on the portion of cardiac tissue to which anchor 40 b is coupled.

It is to be noted that second stent 50 b is implanted within the lumen of first stent 50 a by way of illustration and not limitation, and that for some applications of the present invention, first and second stents 50 a and 50 b may be implanted coaxially at second implantation site 52.

It is to be noted that third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d and second longitudinal member 42 b are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d and second longitudinal member 42 b typically define a single continuous implant unit.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a system 110 for repairing tricuspid valve 4, which comprises first, second, and third tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 b, and 60 c, and first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. System 110 is similar to system 100 described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-B, with the exception that system 110 does not comprise second stent 50 b; rather, as shown in FIGS. 3B-C, a proximal end portion 112 of second longitudinal member 42 b is shaped so as to define one or more engaging elements 114 (e.g., hooks or barbs, as shown). Following the implanting of third tissue-engaging element 60 c and the subsequent pulling of second longitudinal member 42 b, catheter 22 facilitates coupling of engaging elements 114 with the struts of stent 50 (as shown in FIG. 3C which is an enlarged image of stent 50 and the proximal portion of second longitudinal member 42 b of FIG. 3B). The coupling of engaging elements 114 to stent 50 maintains the tension applied to longitudinal member 42, and thereby maintains the tension on third tissue-engaging element 60 c in order to maintain the remodeled state of tricuspid valve 4.

It is to be noted that third tissue-engaging element 60 c, second longitudinal member 42 b, and engaging elements 114 and proximal end portion 112 of second longitudinal member 42 b are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, third tissue-engaging element 60 c, second longitudinal member 42 b, and engaging elements 114 and proximal end portion 112 of second longitudinal member 42 b typically define a single continuous implant unit.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-C. For some applications, following the implantation the tissue-engaging elements at their respective implantation sites, as described hereinabove, a length of each one of first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b is adjusted by an adjustable mechanism, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-B. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a length of each one of first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b. For some applications, a respective adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to each one of first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b (not shown); each mechanism 150 comprises an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b. For other applications, the adjusting mechanism comprises only an adjusting tool which may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b. In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the respective lengths of first and second longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b.

FIGS. 4A-C show a system 120 for repairing tricuspid valve 4 comprising first and second stents 130 and 132 implanted in superior vena cava 10 and inferior vena cava, respectively, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. A catheter 122 is advanced through vasculature of the patient such that a distal end 124 of catheter 122 toward superior vena cava 10, as shown in FIG. 4A. Catheter 122 is advanced from a suitable access location, e.g., catheter 122 may be introduced into the femoral vein of the patient, through inferior vena cava 8, and toward superior vena cava 10. During the advancement of catheter 122 toward superior vena cava 10 and inferior vena cava 8, stents 130 and 132 are disposed within a distal portion of catheter 122 in a compressed state.

In FIG. 4B, first stent 130 is deployed from within catheter 122 and expands to contact tissue of a wall of superior vena cava 10. This portion of the wall of the superior vena cava defines first implantation site 30 in such applications of the present invention. Additionally, first stent member 130 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a in such applications of the present invention. It is to be noted that the portion of superior vena cava 10 in which stent 130 is implanted defines a portion of tissue that is in the vicinity of valve 4.

Catheter 122 is then retracted so as to pull and apply tension to longitudinal member 42. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled directly by catheter 122 and/or indirectly by pulling stent member 132 disposed within catheter 122. For some applications, during the pulling, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 may be monitored, because responsively to the pulling, the geometry of the wall of atrium 6 is altered and the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 are drawn together so as to reduce and eliminate regurgitation of valve 4.

Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, the physician decouples catheter 122 from second stent member 132 disposed therein and/or from longitudinal member 42, and then retracts catheter 122 in order to expose second tissue-engaging element 60 b, i.e., second stent member 132, as shown. Following initial retracting of catheter 122, second stent member 132 is exposed and is allowed to expand and contact a wall of inferior vena cava 8, as shown in FIG. 4C. Responsively to the expanding, second stent member 132 is implanted in second implantation site 52 and maintains the tension of longitudinal member 42 on first stent member 130 and thereby maintains the altered geometry of the wall of atrium 6 and of the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 4A-C. For some applications, following the deploying of first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b (i.e., first and second stents 130 and 132, respectively), a distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b is adjusted by an adjustable mechanism, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-B. In such applications, a length of longitudinal member 42 between first and second stents 130 and 132 may be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism 150, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a distance of longitudinal member 42 between first and second stents 130 and 132. For some applications, adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to longitudinal member 42 (not shown) and comprises an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping portions of longitudinal member 42 therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening a portion of longitudinal member 42, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms a portion of longitudinal member 42 in order to shorten its length between first and second stents 130 and 132. A level of regurgitation and repair of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b by adjusting mechanism 150.

It is to be noted that first and second stents 130 and 132 and longitudinal member 42 are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, first and second stents 130 and 132 and longitudinal member 42 typically define a single continuous implant unit.

Reference is yet again made to FIGS. 4A-C. It is to be noted that distal end 124 of catheter 122 may first be advanced toward inferior vena cava, and not first toward superior vena cava, as shown in FIG. 4A. In such an embodiment, catheter 122 may be introduced into the external jugular vein, through the subclavian vein, through superior vena cava 10, and toward inferior vena cava 8. Alternatively, catheter 122 may be introduced into the basilic vein, through the subclavian vein, through superior vena cava 10 and toward inferior vena cava 8. It is to be noted that any suitable access location may be used to introduce catheter 122 into the vasculature of the patient.

Reference is still made to FIGS. 4A-C. For some applications, one or both of stents 130 and/or 132 comprise a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts, such as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1D.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-B, which are schematic illustrations of a system 140 for repairing tricuspid valve 4 comprising first and second tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b coupled together by longitudinal member 42, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. In such applications, first tissue anchor 40 a defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and second tissue anchor 40 b defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b. Tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b may comprise any suitable anchor for puncturing, squeezing, or otherwise engaging cardiac tissue of the patient. As shown by way of illustration and not limitation, tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b comprise helical tissue anchors which puncture and screw into the cardiac tissue. It is to be noted that first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b (i.e., first and second tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b) and longitudinal member 42 are fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b and longitudinal member 42 define a single continuous implant unit.

A delivery catheter is advanced through vasculature of the patient, in manner as described hereinabove with regard to catheter 22 with reference to FIG. 1A. The catheter is advanced toward first implantation site 30 and facilitates implantation of first tissue anchor 40 a in the cardiac tissue. As shown, first implantation site 30 includes a first portion of tissue of the annulus of valve 4 at the mural side of valve 4, by way of illustration and not limitation. For some applications, first implantation site 30 may include a first portion of the wall of atrium 6 of heart 2. As shown by way of illustration and not limitation, first implantation site 30 includes a portion of tissue of the annulus at the commissure between anterior leaflet 14 and posterior leaflet 16. It is to be noted that first implantation site 30 may be implanted at any suitable location along and in the vicinity of the annulus of valve 4.

The delivery catheter is then advanced toward second implantation site 52 and facilitates implantation of second tissue anchor 40 b in the cardiac tissue. For some applications, as the catheter is advanced toward second implantation site, longitudinal member 42 is pulled to draw together the leaflets of valve 4, while a level of regurgitation of valve 4 is monitored. As shown, second implantation site 52 includes a second portion of tissue of the annulus of valve 4 at the septal side of valve 4, by way of illustration and not limitation. For some applications, second implantation site 52 may include a second portion of the wall of atrium 6 of heart 2. As shown by way of illustration and not limitation, second implantation site 52 includes a portion of tissue of the annulus inferior of the middle of septal leaflet 12. It is to be noted that first implantation site 30 may be implanted at any suitable location along and in the vicinity of the annulus of valve 4, e.g., at the commissure between posterior leaflet 16 and septal leaflet 12.

For such an application, by applying tension to longitudinal member 42, anterior leaflet 14 and septal leaflet 12 are drawn together, and bicuspidization of valve 4 is achieved. For some applications, during the adjusting of mechanism 150, a retrievable stent may be deployed in inferior vena cava 8 so as to stabilize system 140 during the adjusting of adjusting mechanism 150. It is to be further noted that tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b and the delivery catheter may be advanced toward atrium 6 through superior vena cava, mutatis mutandis.

For some applications of the present invention, system 140 comprises one or more anchor-manipulating tools (not shown for clarity of illustration), that is slidably disposed within the delivery catheter. The anchor-manipulating tool is slid distally with in the catheter so as to push distally tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b and expose tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b from within the catheter. For some applications of the present invention, the anchor-manipulating tool(s) is(/are) reversibly couplable to anchors 40 a and 40 b, and facilitate(s) implantation of anchors 40 a and 40 b in the cardiac tissue. For applications in which anchors 40 a and 40 b comprises respective helical tissue anchor, as shown, the operating physician rotates the anchor-manipulating tool(s) from a site outside the body of the patient in order to rotate anchors 40 a and 40 b, and thereby screw at least respective distal portions of anchors 40 a and 40 b in the cardiac tissue.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 5A-B. It is to be noted that first and second implantation sites 30 and 52 include cardiac tissue that is upstream of valve 4 by way of illustration and not limitation, and that either or both first and second implantation sites may include cardiac tissue that is downstream of valve 4.

Typically, following implantation of first and second tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b, a length of longitudinal member 42, that is disposed between first and second tissue anchors 40 a and 40 b, is adjusted by adjusting mechanism 150. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a distance of longitudinal member 42 between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b. For some applications, adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to longitudinal member 42 (as shown in FIG. 5B) and comprises an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping portions of longitudinal member 42 therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening a portion of longitudinal member 42, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms a portion of longitudinal member 42 in order to shorten its length between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b.

For other applications, system 140 comprises only an adjusting tool (which functions as an adjusting mechanism) and not adjusting mechanism 150. In such applications, the adjusting tool may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening a portion of longitudinal member 42, or a deforming element which deforms a portion of longitudinal member 42 in order to shorten its length between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b.

In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b by adjusting mechanism 150.

Following the adjusting of the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, the adjusting tool and the delivery catheter are decoupled from longitudinal member 42 and are extracted from the body of the patient.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5B, which is a schematic illustration of another configuration of system 140, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. This configuration of system 140 is generally similar to the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 5A, except that the system comprises a third tissue-engaging element 60 c (i.e., a third tissue anchor), in addition to first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b. Third tissue-engaging element 60 c is implanted at third implantation site 32, such as using the techniques described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5A. For some applications, third implantation site 32 may include a third portion of the wall of atrium 6. By way of illustration and not limitation, the three implantation sites may include portions of tissue of the annulus of the three leaflets of the valve, such as at the middle of the leaflets.

Tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 b, and 60 c are coupled to longitudinal members 42 a, 42 b, and 42 c, respectively. The longitudinal members are coupled together by adjusting mechanism 150. For some applications, adjusting mechanism 150 comprises a spool for looping portions of the longitudinal members therearound, and a ratchet element which allows the spool to rotate in only one direction. Rotation of the spool loops the longitudinal member therearound, thereby shortening the effective lengths of the members and applying tension thereto, to draw the leaflets toward one another, such as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5A. As a result, a geometry of the wall of the right atrium may be altered.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 which is a schematic illustration of a system 700 for repairing tricuspid valve 4 comprising first tissue-engaging element 60 a implanted at a portion of the annuls of valve 4 and a third tissue-engaging element 60 c implanted at a portion of a papillary muscle 72 in the right ventricle of the patient, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. It is to be noted that third implantation site 32 comprises papillary muscle 72 by way of illustration and not limitation, and that third implantation site 32 may comprise any potion of a wall of the right ventricle (e.g., a portion of tissue of the annulus at the ventricular surface of valve 4, a portion of the wall of the ventricle in the vicinity of valve 4, a portion of tissue in the vicinity of the apex of heart 2, or any other suitable portion of the wall of the ventricle).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-B and 6. First, second, and third tissue-engaging elements 60 a-c of FIG. 6 are implanted in cardiac tissue in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-B, with the exception that, in order to implant third tissue-engaging element 60 c, catheter 22 passes through the leaflets of valve 4 into the right ventricle and implants third tissue-engaging element 60 c in tissue of the ventricle. Following coupled of third tissue-engaging element 60 c in FIG. 6, second stent 50 b is deployed in second implantation site 52 in inferior vena cava 8, as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-C and 6. It is to be noted, that for some applications, second longitudinal member 42 b is coupled at a proximal end thereof to one or more barbs 114 (i.e., and is not connected to second stent 50, as shown). Barbs 114 enable second longitudinal member 42 b to be coupled to stent 50 that is in connection with first longitudinal member 42 a, and thereby maintain tension on third implantation site 32 and maintain coaptation of at least anterior leaflet 14 and septal leaflet 12.

Reference is again made to FIG. 6. Such an application of at least one tissue-engaging element 60 in a portion of tissue of the ventricle of heart 2, in some applications, facilitates independent adjustment of valve 4 and a portion of the ventricle wall of heart 2. That is, for some application, geometric adjustment of the right ventricle to improve its function is achieved.

For some applications, following the deploying of first, second, third, and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 a-d (i.e., first and second anchors 40 a and 40 b, and first and second stents 50 a and 50 b), (1) a distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b is adjustable by first adjustable mechanism, and (2) a distance between third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d is adjustable by a second adjustable mechanism, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 5A. In such applications, (1) a length of first longitudinal member 42 a between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b may be adjusted by a first adjusting mechanism 150, as shown in FIG. 5A, and (2) a length of second longitudinal member 42 b between third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d may be adjusted by a second adjusting mechanism 150, as shown in FIG. 5A or 5B.

Adjusting mechanisms 150 typically each comprise a mechanical element which shortens a distance of respective longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b. For some applications, adjustable mechanisms 150 may be permanently coupled to respective longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b (not shown) and each comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b in order to shorten its length between the respective tissue-engaging elements 60. For other applications, system 700 comprises an adjusting mechanism comprising only an adjusting tool (not shown). In such applications, the adjusting tool may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42 a and 42 b. In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored and the adjustment of the geometry of the right ventricle is monitored during (1) the adjusting of the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, and (2) the adjusting of the distance between third and second implantation sites 32 and 52, respectively.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 and 9, which are schematic illustrations of a system 800 for repairing tricuspid valve 4, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, system 800 comprises first, second, third, and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, and 60 d. System 800 is similar in some respects to system 110 described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 3A-B, with the exception that system 800 typically comprises only exactly one longitudinal member 42. Typically, longitudinal member 42 is directly coupled to first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and indirectly coupled to tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d by a longitudinal sub-member 802. Typically, one end of longitudinal sub-member 802 is coupled to tissue-engaging element 60 c, and the other end of the sub-member is coupled to tissue-engaging element 60 d. For some applications, as shown, longitudinal member 42 is not fixed to longitudinal sub-member 802; instead, longitudinal sub-member 802 engages, e.g., is hooked on or looped over, longitudinal member 42, at a junction 804 during deployment of the longitudinal sub-member. Alternatively, a ring is provided that couples the longitudinal sub-member to the longitudinal member (configuration not shown).

For some applications, as shown in FIG. 8, a superior vena cava approach is used to implant system 800, in which tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 c, and 60 d are advanced into atrium 6 via superior vena cava 10, and tissue-engaging element 60 b is deployed in the superior vena cava. FIG. 9 illustrates an inferior vena cava approach, in which tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 c, and 60 d are advanced into atrium 6 via inferior vena cava 8, and tissue-engaging element 60 b is deployed in the inferior vena cava. Typically, one of tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 c, and 60 d is deployed at the septal side of tricuspid valve 4 in the caudal part of the base of the septal leaflet, and the other two of tissue-engaging elements 60 a, 60 c, and 60 d are deployed at the mural side of the valve, dividing the entire mural side in three equal spaces, generally at the middle of anterior leaflet and the commissure between the anterior and posterior leaflets. For some applications, yet another tissue-engaging element is deployed at the mural side of the valve (configuration not shown).

An anchor-deployment tube is deployed into atrium 6, for example, using techniques described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1A. First tissue-engaging element 60 a is deployed at first implantation site 30, such as using anchoring techniques described herein. First implantation site 30 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a first portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). For example, in the approach shown in FIG. 8, first implantation site 30 may be on the mural side of the annulus of the valve (e.g., at anterior leaflet 14), approximately centered between two of the commissures of the valve. In the approach shown in FIG. 9, first implantation site 30 may be on the mural side of the annulus (e.g., at posterior leaflet 16), approximately centered between two of the commissures of the valve. Alternatively, although typically less desirable, first implantation site 30 may be approximately at a commissure of the valve.

During the implantation using system 800, the distal end of the anchor-deployment tube is advanced to third implantation site 32. Third tissue-engaging element 60 c is deployed at third implantation site 32, such as using anchoring techniques described herein. Third implantation site 32 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). For example, in the approach shown in FIG. 8, third implantation site 32 may be on the mural side of the annulus of the valve (e.g., at posterior leaflet 16), approximately centered between two of the commissures of the valve. In the approach shown in FIG. 9, third implantation site 32 may be on the mural side of the annulus of the valve (e.g., at anterior leaflet 14), approximately centered between two of the commissures of the valve. Alternatively, although typically less desirable, third implantation site 32 may be approximately at a commissure of the valve.

Subsequently to implantation at third implantation site, the distal end of the anchor-deployment tube is advanced to a fourth implantation site 34. As mentioned above, longitudinal sub-member 802 extends between tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d. As fourth tissue-engaging element 60 d is brought to fourth implantation site 34, longitudinal sub-member 802 engages, e.g., becomes hooked on or looped over, longitudinal member 42 at junction 804. Fourth tissue-engaging element 60 d is deployed at fourth implantation site 34, such as using anchoring techniques described herein. Fourth implantation site 34 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). For example, in the approaches shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, fourth implantation site 34 may be on septal side of the annulus of the valve (e.g., at the caudal part of the base of septal leaflet 12, approximately centered between two of the commissures of the valve. Alternatively, although typically less desirable, fourth implantation site 34 may be approximately at a commissure of the valve.

Following implantation at fourth implantation site 34, the anchor-deployment tube is withdrawn into the vena cava. Second tissue-engaging element 60 b (stent 50) pulls on longitudinal member 42, which directly pulls on first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and indirectly pulls on tissue-engaging elements 60 c and 60 d via longitudinal sub-member 802. Responsively, a distance between the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 is adjusted to reduce and eliminate regurgitation through valve 4, and thereby, valve 4 is repaired. For some applications, during the pulling of longitudinal member 42, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases. Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, second tissue-engaging element 60 b (e.g., stent 50) is deployed from the anchor-deployment tube in the vena cava, such as described hereinabove, thereby implanting the tissue-engaging element at second implantation site 52, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

For some applications, stent 50 comprises a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts, such as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1D.

For some applications, following the implantation the tissue-engaging elements at their respective implantation sites, as described hereinabove, a length of longitudinal member 42 is adjusted by an adjustable mechanism, as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5A or 5B. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a length of longitudinal member 42. For some applications, adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to longitudinal member 42; mechanism 150 comprises an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping a portion of longitudinal member 42 therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening the portion of longitudinal member 42, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms the portion of longitudinal member 42. For other applications, system 800 comprises an adjusting mechanism comprising only an adjusting tool. In such applications, the adjusting tool may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening the portion of longitudinal member 42, or a deforming element which deforms the portion of longitudinal member 42. In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the length of longitudinal member 42.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-D, which are schematic illustrations of tissue anchors 40, in accordance with respective applications of the present invention. One or more of these anchors may be used as anchors 40 in the applications described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 5A-B, 6, 8, 9, 11A-C, 12A-C, 13C, and/or 14C.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10A, anchor 40 comprises a distal tissue-piercing tip 972 fixed to a plurality of arms 974, which extend from tip 972 in respective generally distal and radially-outward directions. The arms are inserted entirely into the tissue, thereby helping to couple the anchor to the tissue. For some applications, a greatest width W1 of anchor 40 is at least 6.5 mm, no more than 39 mm, and/or between 6.5 and 39 mm, such as 13 mm. For some applications, a length L2 of anchor 40, measured along an axis of the anchor from tips of anus 974 to the end of tip 972 of the anchor, is at least 5 mm, no more than 30 mm, and/or between 5 and 30 mm, such as 10 mm. For some applications, a greatest diameter D1 of tip 972 is at least 1 mm, no more than 6 mm, and/or between 1 and 6 mm, such as 2 mm.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, anchor 40 is configured to radially contract and expand in a manner generally similar to that of an umbrella (but without the umbrella cloth). The anchor is inserted into the tissue in a radially-contracted (closed) state, and is transitioned to a radially-expanded (open) state, either automatically or by the surgeon, in order to fix the anchor within the tissue. For some applications, such as shown in FIG. 10B, the anchor is configured to assume the radially-expanded state when resting; the anchor is held in a radially-contracted state during deployment, and transitions to the radially-expanded state upon being released. For other applications, such as shown in FIG. 10C, the anchor is configured to assume the radially-contracted state when resting; the anchor is deployed in the radially-contracted state, and is actively transitioned to the radially-expanded state by the surgeon after being inserted into the tissue.

Anchor 40 comprises distal tissue-piercing tip 972, which is fixed at a distal end of a post 976 (which typically comprises a tube). The anchor further comprises a plurality of ribs 978 (e.g., three or four). Ribs 978 are coupled to the anchor near distal tip 972, such that the ribs can articulate with post 796, thereby changing respective angles between the ribs and the post. The anchor further comprises a runner 980 (which typically comprises a tube), which is slidably coupled to post 976, such that the runner can slide along the post. A plurality of stretchers 982 are coupled to runner 980 and respective ones of the ribs, such that stretchers can articulate with the runner and the respective ribs. Each of the stretchers may comprise one or more elongated elements; by way of example, each of the stretchers is shown comprising two elongated elements. Typically, tips 984 of ribs 978 (i.e., at the ends not coupled to the anchor) are blunt.

For some applications, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 10B, the anchor at least partially comprises a shape-memory alloy (e.g., nitinol), and the anchor's natural, resting state is the radially-expanded (open) state. The anchor is crimped inside a catheter so that it remains radially-contracted (closed) until deployed. Once deployed into the tissue, the catheter is pulled back and the anchor is allowed to open (i.e., automatically transition to the radially-expanded state).

For some applications, in order to allow retraction of the anchor (such as if the anchor has been improperly positioned, or needs to be removed for another reason), the proximal end of runner 980 (i.e., the end farther from tip 972) is removably coupled to an inner tube positioned within the catheter. For example, an outer surface of the proximal end of runner 980 and an inner surface of the inner tube near a distal end thereof may be threaded, to enable the removable coupling. Runner 980 thus remains coupled to the inner tube until released, such as by rotating the inner tube with respect to the runner (the tissue prevents the runner from also rotating). In order to retract the anchor, post 976 is pushed in a distal direction while the runner is still coupled to the inner tube, thereby moving post 976 with respect to runner 980 and transitioning the anchor back to its radially-contracted (closed) state. The anchor can thus be withdrawn into the catheter, repositioned, and deployed again at a different location. The surgeon rotates the inner tube to decouple the anchor once the location of the anchor has been finalized.

For some applications, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10C, anchor 40 further comprises a tube positioned around post 976, proximal to runner 980 (i.e., farther from tip 972). The tube is used to push runner 980 in a distal direction (toward the tip), in order to open the umbrella.

For some applications, a greatest width W2 of anchor 40, when radially expanded, is at least 6.5 mm, no more than 39 mm, and/or between 6.5 and 39 mm, such as 13 mm. For some applications, a length L3 of anchor 40, measured along an axis of the anchor from tips 984 of ribs 978 to the end of tip 972 of the anchor when the anchor is radially expanded, is at least 5 mm, no more than 30 mm, and/or between 5 and 30 mm, such as 10 mm. For some applications, a greatest diameter D2 of tip 972 is at least 0.4 mm, no more than 2.4 mm, and/or between 0.4 and 2.4 mm, such as 0.8 mm. For some applications, a greatest diameter D3 of post 976 is at least 0.3 mm, no more than 1.8 mm, and/or between 0.3 and 1.8 mm, such as 0.6 mm. For some applications, each of ribs 978 has a length of at least 6 mm, no more than 20 mm, and/or between 6 and 20 mm, such as 10 mm.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10D, anchor 40 is barbed. For example, the anchor may be generally flat, and is shaped so as to define one or more barbs 990, which typically extend from both sides of the anchor. The barbs help couple the anchor to the tissue. For some applications, a greatest width W3 of anchor 40, excluding barbs 990, is at least 0.85 mm, no more than 5.1 mm, and/or between 0.85 and 5.1 mm, such as 1.7 mm. For some applications, a greatest width W4 of anchor 40, including barbs 990, is at least 1.25 mm, no more than 7.5 mm, and/or between 1.25 and 7.5 mm, such as 2.5 mm. For some applications, a length L4 of anchor 40, measured along an axis of the anchor from a distal end of the barbed portion to the proximal tip of the anchor, is at least 5 mm, no more than 30 mm, and/or between 5 and 30 mm, such as 9.5 mm. For some applications, a greatest thickness T of anchor 40 is at least 0.1 mm, no more than 0.6 mm, and/or between 0.1 and 0.6 mm, such as 0.2 mm.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a delivery tool system 1000 for implanting anchor 40, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Delivery tool system 1000 may be used, for example, to rotate, locate, place, and implant an anchor in combination with the applications described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 5A-B, 6, 8, 9, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, and 17. Although longitudinal member 42 is shown in FIGS. 11A-C as being fixed to stent 50, this is not necessarily the case, and tool system 200 thus may also be used in combination with the applications that do not utilize stent 50, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 3C and 5A-B.

FIG. 11A shows an exploded view of some of the components of delivery tool system 1000 and its spatial orientation relative to stent 50, longitudinal member 42, and anchor 40. In such an application, longitudinal member 42 comprises a plurality of fibers aligned so as to form a band 1140. Band 1140 is coupled at a first portion 1141 thereof (e.g., a proximal portion, as shown) to a portion of stent 50. Stent 50 comprises a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 arranged so as to form a tubular structure of stent 50 in a radially-expanded state of stent 50. First portion 1141 of band 1140 is coupled to the portion of stent 50 via a tension-distributing element 1160, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 13A-C, 14A-C, and 15A-B.

A second portion 1143 of band 1140 is coupled to tissue anchor 40 via a connecting element 1240 that is coupled to a proximal portion of anchor 40 via an adapter head 1230. Tissue anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor having a central lumen about a longitudinal axis 1155. Connecting element 1240 is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242 at a proximal portion of connecting element 1240. Flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242 is shaped so as to define an opening 1244 configured for coupling of second portion 1143 of band 1140 to connecting element 1240. Typically second portion 1143 of band 1140 is coupled to connecting element 1240 by threading it through opening 1244 and forming a distal loop 1142.

Connecting element 1240 is shaped so as to provide an annular loop 1246 at a portion of element 1240 that is distal to opening 1244 and flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242. Annular loop 1246 has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the anchor 40. Annular loop 1246 surrounds the proximal-most coil in a manner which facilitates rotation of anchor 40 about axis 1155 freely by facilitating rotation of the proximal-most loop of anchor 40 freely about axis 1155. For some applications loop 1246 rotates around the proximal portion of anchor 40.

Adapter head 1230 is shaped so as to define a distal tissue-anchor coupling element 1233 which has an outer diameter that is equal to or less than a diameter of the lumen of anchor 40 in a manner in which tissue-anchor coupling element 1233 fits within the lumen of anchor 40 and is welded to a proximal portion of anchor 40 in order to couple adapter head 1230 to anchor 40 (as shown hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 12A-C). Adapter head 1230 is shaped so as to define an annular element 1234 which has an outer diameter that is larger than a diameter of an opening provided by annular loop 1246. Thus, adapter head 1230 prevents decoupling of connecting element 1240 from anchor 40 since connecting element 1240 is not welded to anchor 40.

System 1000 comprises a torque-delivering tool comprising a torque-delivering cable 1204 that is slidably disposed within a lumen of a tube 1202. Torque-delivering cable 1204 is welded at a distal end thereof to a first coupling 1220 shaped so as to define a male coupling element 1222. Adapter head 1230 is shaped so as to provide a second coupling 1232 shaped so as to define a female coupling element configured to fit the male coupling element 1222. When coupled together, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 12A-C, first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, couple torque-delivering cable 1204 to tissue anchor 40. Torque-delivering cable 1204 is rotated in order to rotate first coupling 1220 and second coupling 1232 of anchor head 1230, and thereby tissue anchor 40.

Since adapter head 1230, having second coupling 1232, is welded to a proximal portion of anchor 40, when adapter head 1230 is rotated, anchor 40 is rotated. As anchor 40 is rotated, the proximal-most coil of anchor 40 rotates freely within annular loop 1246, and anchor 40 rotates with respect to annular loop 1246.

As shown, the proximal portion of connecting element 1240 comprising flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242, shaped so as to define opening 1244, is generally crescent-shaped. A portion of tube 1202 in a vicinity of distal end 1205 of tube 1202 is coupled to an anti-entanglement device 1224 which is shaped so as to define a distal element 1226 that is generally crescent-shaped. Distal element 1226 is disposed alongside the proximal portion of connecting element 1240 in a manner in which the crescent shaped are aligned, as shown in FIG. 11B. In such a configuration, during rotation of torque-delivering cable 1204 to rotate anchor 40, tube 1202 is not rotated around cable 1204, but is held in place, which (1) keeps anti-entanglement device 1224 maintained in a relative position with reference to connecting element 1240, and thereby (2) connecting element 1240 is not rotated as anchor 40 is rotated, and flexible member 42 (or band 1140, in this application) is not rotated when anchor is rotated. In such a manner, as anchor 40 rotates with respect to annular loop 1246, anchor 40 rotates with respect to flexible member 42, thus anti-entanglement device 1224 prevents band 1140 from entangling during rotation of anchor 40.

As shown in FIG. 11B, tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and stent 50 defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11C which shows a tool 1002 for facilitating implanting of tissue anchor 40 and expansion of stent 50 within the blood vessel of the patient. Tool 1002 comprises a proximal handle portion 1004 which is coupled to a proximal portion of a first shaft 1016. As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional image on the middle-right of FIG. 11C, stent 50 crimped within a sheath 1190. A proximal portion of stent 50 is shaped so as to define two or more delivery-tool couplers 1159. A distal end of first shaft 1016 is shaped so as to provide one or more stent-couplers 1017. A respective delivery tool coupler 1159 is coupled to shaft 1016 by being coupled to a respective stent coupler 1017. When sheath 1190 surrounds stent 50, stent 50 is maintained in a crimped state and couplers 1159 remain coupled to couplers 1017. As shown, tube 1202 and torque-delivering cable 1204 pass through a lumen of stent 50 in its crimped, or radially-compressed state.

As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a and stent 50 defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b. As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of the patient prior to positioning stent 50 in the blood vessel of the patient. That is, tissue anchor 40 is exposed from within sheath 1190 and implanted in tissue of the patient while stent 50 remains crimped within sheath 1190. Since torque-delivering cable 1204 and tube 1202 pass through the lumen of stent 50, during rotation of anchor 40, anchor 40 rotates with respect to stent 50 while stent remains static.

Tool 1002 comprises a “Y”-shaped connector 1014 coupled to a proximal end of shaft 1016. A first arm of connector 1014 provides a lumen for passage of a guidewire tube 1013 that is configured to hold a guidewire (not shown). A second arm of connector 1014 provides a lumen for passage of tube 1202 that surrounds torque-delivering cable 1204. As shown in the cross-sectional image on the top-right, tube 1202 surrounding cable 1204 passes alongside guidewire tube 1013. Guidewire tube 1013 extends through tool 1002 and through a lumen provided by a distal atraumatic tip 1192. For such an application, tip comprises a symmetrical tip 1196. Tip 1192 enables atraumatic advancement the shafts of tool 1002 through vasculature of the patient. Tip 1192 comprises a flexible biocompatible material, e.g., polyurethane, and a radiopacity-enhancing material such as an embedded marker made from a radiopaque substance such as Pt—Ir, or alternatively by adding BaSO4 to the biocompatible material.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A-B, which are schematic illustrations of atraumatic tip 1192 comprising an asymmetrical atraumatic tip 2000 having an asymmetrical body 1198, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As shown, tip 2000 is shaped so as to provide a lumen for passage therethrough of guidewire tube 1013. Tip 2000 is shaped so as to define a recess 2002 for housing anchor 40 during the advancement of the shafts of tool 1002 through the vasculature of the patient. Anchor 40, flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242, band 1140, and guidewire tube 1013 are shown in phantom to indicate their positioning relative to tip 2000. Once the physician wishes to release anchor 40 from within recess 2002, the physician pushes on guidewire tube 1013 so as to disengage tip 2000 from distal end 1191 of sheath 1190 (shown in FIG. 11C) and distance tip 2000 and anchor 40 from distal end 1191. The physician then pulls proximally on cable 1204 so as to retract anchor 40 from within recess 2002. Once anchor 40 is exposed from within recess 2002, anchor 40 may be rotated, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 11C and 12A, and may be disengaged from first coupling 1220, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 11C and 12B-C.

Reference is again made to FIG. 11C. The shafts of tool 1002 are guided along the guidewire (not shown for clarity of illustration) to the respective implantation sites of anchor 40 and stent 50. During the advancement of the shafts through the vasculature, tip 1192 is coupled to a distal end 1191 of sheath 1190 (e.g., by having a proximal portion of tip 1192 disposed within a lumen of sheath 1190 at distal end 1191 thereof. Prior to deployment and implantation of anchor 40 from within sheath 1190, tip 1192 is pushed distally so as to decouple tip 1192 from distal end 1191 of sheath 1190. Tip 1192, for some applications comprises symmetrical tip 1196. Symmetrical tip 1196 facilitates recoupling of tip 1192 to distal end 1191 of sheath 1190 following the decoupling of tip 1192 from sheath 1190.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-C, which are schematic illustrations of first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, in their locked state (FIG. 12A) and their unlocked state (FIG. 12C), in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As described hereinabove, first coupling 1220 matingly engages second coupling 1232 when a distal end 1205 of tube 1202 surrounding torque-delivering cable 1204 is disposed distally. When distal end 1205 is disposed distally, as shown in FIG. 12A, a distal portion of tube 1202 surrounds first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, in a manner which keeps first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, coupled together. As shown in FIG. 12A, and as described hereinabove, the distal portion of tube 1202 is coupled to anti-entanglement device 1224. As shown in the cross-sectional images of FIGS. 12A-C, distal element 1226 of anti-entanglement device 1224 is disposed behind flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242 at the proximal portion of connecting element 1240.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11C and 12A. As shown in FIG. 11C, tool 1002 comprises a steering mechanism 1018 that surrounds shaft 1016 and is coupled to a proximal end 1193 of sheath 1190. Steering mechanism 1018 facilitates proximal and distal movement of a steering wire (not shown for clarity) with respect to mechanism 1018, tube 1202 and guidewire tube 1013. Steering mechanism 1018 comprises a user-engaging element 1195 which enables the physician to facilitate steering of sheath 1190. Steering mechanism 1018 comprises an actuating mechanism 1194 comprising a plurality of teeth which facilitate proximal and distal movement of the steering wire when user-engaging element 1195 is actuated by the physician using system 1000.

When the physician wishes to expose anchor 40 from within sheath 1190, the physician slides the cable 1204 and tube 1202 together so as to expose anchor 40. For some applications, cable 1204 and tube 1202 are slid when the physician pushes at least handle portion 1004 so as to push tube 1202 (and cable 1204 disposed therein) distally in order to push anchor 40 distally within sheath 1190 and expose anchor 40 from within sheath 1190. During the sliding, mechanism 1018 is held in place so as to prevent distal sliding of sheath 1190 during the distal sliding of anchor 40. (When the physician desires to deploy stent 50, the physician slides sheath 1190 proximally by sliding mechanism 1018 with respect to shaft 1016 so as to expose stent 50. For such applications, stent 50 is exposed from within sheath 1190 and is allowed to expand radially and disengage delivery-tool couplers 1159 of stent 50 from stent-couplers 1017 of tool 1002).

When the physician wishes to position anchor 40 into the correct anatomical place such as the anteroposterior commissure, the physician actuates user-engaging element 1195 to actuate steering mechanism 1018 which pulls the steering cable, causing steering of sheath 1190 in order to deflect sheath 1018 in one direction. The physician may then rotate the handle portion of mechanism 1018 to change the deflection direction and reach the correct anatomical positioning of anchor 40.

As shown in FIG. 11C, proximal handle portion 1004 comprises an anchor-deployment actuator 1006 and a holder 1008. Actuator 1006, as shown in the cross-sectional image, is coupled to torque-delivering cable 1204 such that when first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, are coupled together (as shown in FIG. 12A), rotation of actuator 1006 rotates torque-delivering cable 1204 in order to rotate anchor 40. Typically, anchor 40 is rotated once anchor 40 is exposed from within sheath 1190, as described hereinabove, in order to screw anchor 40 into tissue of the patient.

Holder 1008 is coupled to a proximal portion of tube 1202 that surrounds cable 1204. Holder 1008 is shaped so as to define a proximal recess 1009, with transverse holes 1011. Actuator 1006 is shaped so as to define a distal protrusion 1007 which is shaped so as to fit within recess 1009 of holder 1008.

As shown in FIGS. 11C and 12A, the distal portion of tube 1202 disposed around first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively. In such a configuration, protrusion 1007 of actuator 1006 is disposed proximally to holder 1008. Furthermore, holder 1008 comprises a safety 1010 (e.g., a suture which extends transverse to the longitudinal lumen of recess 1009 through holes 1011) which prevents protrusion 1007 from sliding within recess 1009 of holder 1008.

When the physician desires to disengage first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, the physician releases safety 1010 (e.g., by cutting the suture) and pushes actuator 1006 distally so that protrusion 1007 of actuator 1006 slides within recess 1009 of holder 1008. During the pushing of actuator 1006, the physician holds holder 1008. Responsively, since actuator 1006 is coupled to cable 1204, cable 1204 is slid distally (in the direction as indicated by arrow 2) so that first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, are exposed from within the distal portion of tube 1202. Additionally, since tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of the patient, the tissue exerts a force on tube 1202 which pushes tube 1202 proximally, in the direction as indicated by arrow 1. Consequently, first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, are exposed from within the distal portion of tube 1202, as shown in FIG. 12B.

As shown in FIG. 12C, the physician tilts tube 1202 (e.g., clockwise, as shown) in order to disengage male coupling element 1222 of first coupling 1220 from the female coupling element of second coupling 1232. Thereby, tool 1002 is disengaged from anchor 40. Following the disengaging of tool 1002 from anchor 40, anchor 40, adapter head 1230, and connecting element 1240 remain implanted at the implantation site.

Following the implantation of tissue anchor 40 at first implantation site 30, sheath 1190 is retracted proximally by pulling proximally mechanism 1018 so as to expose band 1140 coupled to tissue anchor 40. Sheath 1190 is navigated by mechanism 1194 such that distal end 1191 of sheath 1190 is positioned in second implantation site 52. As tool 1002 is navigated, tension is applied to band 1140 in order to draw together first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, respectively, and repair valve 4, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D.

For some applications, during the pulling of band 1140 by tool 1002, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored and a parameter indicative of repair of valve 4 is monitored. For example, leaflet anatomy during the opening and closing of valve 4 is assessed using an imaging device such as intracardiac echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. For some applications, during the monitoring, measurements used to assess the efficiency of the procedure are evaluated pre-, during, and post-procedure. For example, these measurements could include, but not exclusively, measuring the echocardiographic distance between the anteroposterior commissure and the rim at the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium, or measuring the echocardiographic regurgitant volume through tricuspid valve 4. Band 1140 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases.

Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, sheath 1190 is retracted proximally as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 11C by pulling proximally on sheath 1190, which is done by pulling proximally on mechanism 1018, so as to expose stent 50 from within sheath 1190. As stent 50 expands radially, delivery-tool couplers 1159 of stent 50 expand away and disengage from stent-couplers 1017 of tool 1002, thereby disengaging stent 50 from tool 1002. Following the disengaging of tool 1002 from stent 50, tool 1002 is extracted from the body of the patient.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a stent 1150 comprising a proximal portion 1156 and a distal portion 1157, each of portions 1156 and 1157 comprising a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152, a plurality of valleys 1154, and a plurality of interconnectors 1158, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 13A shows stent 1150 in an assembled state, and FIG. 13B shows stent 1150 in a flattened state in which stent 1150 is cut longitudinally and flattened, for clarity of illustration. It is to be noted, however, that the configuration shown in FIG. 13A defines the configuration of stent 1150 in a radially-expanded state.

The structural configuration of stent 1150 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1150 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.

Stent 1150 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. As shown, each of the plurality of interconnectors 1158 is oriented vertically. As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151 a and 1151 b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.

Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1150 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1150 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1150. Additionally, such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 in distal portion 1157 of stent 1150 facilitates partial compressibility retrievability/retractability into sheath 1190 (as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 11C) of distal portion 1157 following radial expansion of distal portion 1157. That is, sheath 1190 is slidable proximally to expose distal portion 1157 from within the sheath and allow distal portion 1157 to radially expand while proximal portion 1156 remains disposed radially-compressed within sheath 1190. Since (1) peaks 1152 of distal portion 1157 all point distally, and (2) interconnectors 1158 connect valleys 1154 of distal portion 1157, there is no portion of distal portion 1157 which protrudes from the tubular structure of stent 1150, which would otherwise interfere with distal sliding of sheath 1190 to compress and retrieve/retract distal portion 1157 within sheath 1190. Therefore, distal portion 1157 is retrievable/retractable within sheath 1190. As such stent 1150 is retrievable up to ½ deployment, as shown.

Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.

Stent 1150 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 11C. Couplers 1159 are shaped so as to surround and engage a plurality of tabs provided on shaft 1016 of tool 1002.

As shown in FIG. 13C, stent 1150 is coupled to flexible band 1140 at a first portion thereof, i.e., a proximal portion thereof. Flexible band 1140, in turn, is coupled at a second portion (i.e., a distal portion thereof) to tissue anchor 40. As described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of tricuspid valve 4, then stent 50 is pulled in order to apply tension to flexible member 42 in order to adjust the relative positioning of the leaflets of valve 4, and then stent 50 is deployed in the blood vessel. Following the deploying of stent 50 in the blood vessel, flexible member 42 exerts tension force on stent 50. In order to distribute tension along the length of stent 1150, stent 1150 is shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element 1160.

Tension-distributing element 1160 has a width W5 of between 1 and 4 mm, e.g., 2.6 mm. Tension-distributing element 1160 has a longitudinal length L6 measured along longitudinal axis 1155 that is generally equal to longitudinal length L5 of stent 1150, as shown by way of illustration and not limitation. Thus, tension-distributing element 1160, as shown in FIGS. 13A-C, comprises an elongate tension-distributing element 1161. That is, each one of lengths L5 and L6 of stent 1150 and tension-distributing element 1160, respectively, is between 20 and 120 mm, e.g., 70 mm. It is to be noted that lengths L5 and L6 are shown as being generally equal by way of illustration and not limitation, and that length L6 tension-distributing element 1160 may be smaller than the longitudinal length of the stent, as shown hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 15A-B, for example. That is, the longitudinal length of tension-distributing element 1160 is at least 15% of longitudinal length L5 of stent 1150.

Typically, a width of a widest mechanical structural element 1651 is between 100 and 500 micron, and width W5 of tension-distributing element 1160 is between 1 and 4 mm. For some applications, width W5 of tension-distributing element 1160 is at least 13 times the width of the widest mechanical structural element 1651.

Tension-distributing element 1160 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of eyelets 1170 (FIGS. 13A-B). As shown in FIG. 13C, the proximal portion of flexible member 42 (or band 1140, as shown) is threaded through eyelets 1170 of tension-distributing element 1160. By threading the proximal portion of band 1140 through tension-distributing element 1160, tension applied from anchor 40 and band 1140 is distributed along the length of stent 1150.

It is to be noted that tension-distributing element 1160 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are typically fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing element 1160 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.

As shown in FIG. 13C, tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and stent 1150 defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a stent 1400 comprising one or more (e.g., two, as shown) first portions 1402 and one or more (e.g., one, as shown) second portion 1404, each of portions 1402 and 1404 comprising a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 14A shows stent 1400 in an assembled state, and FIG. 14B shows stent 1400 in a flattened state in which stent 1400 is cut longitudinally and flattened, for clarity of illustration. It is to be noted, however, that the configuration shown in FIG. 14A defines the configuration of stent 1400 in a radially-expanded state.

The structural configuration of stent 1400 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1400 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.

Portions 1402 of stent 1400 are each shaped so as to provide a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. Stent 1400 comprises a plurality of interconnectors 1158 (e.g., vertical interconnectors, as shown). As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151 a and 1151 b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.

Portions 1402 have interconnectors 1158 a having a length of between 4 and 25 mm, e.g., 9 mm. Portion 1404 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of elongate interconnectors 1158 b which connect portions 1402. Interconnectors 1158 b have a length of between 20 and 80 mm, e.g., 50 mm. Taken together, peaks 1152, valleys 1154, and interconnectors 1158 a of portions 1402 impart a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1400 than portion 1404 of stent 1400, because portion 1404 comprises only elongate interconnectors 1158 b. Such a configuration of stent 1400 provides an endoluminal implant which has a portion that exerts less radial force on surrounding tissues; thus, stent 1400 is configured to be placed in a blood vessel (e.g., the inferior vena cava) that is surrounded by organs. For applications in which stent 1400 is placed within the blood vessel that is surrounded by organs, portion 1404 of stent 1400 exerts less radial force on the surrounding organs than portions 1402.

Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1400 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1400 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1400.

Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.

Stent 1400 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 11C. Couplers 1159 are shaped so as to surround and engage a plurality of tabs provided on shaft 1016 of tool 1002.

As shown in FIG. 14C, stent 1400 is coupled to flexible band 1140 at a first portion thereof, i.e., a proximal portion thereof. Flexible band 1140, in turn, is coupled at a second portion (i.e., a distal portion thereof) to tissue anchor 40. As described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., in the anteroposterior commissure), then stent 50 is pulled in order to apply tension to flexible member 42 (or band 1140) in order to adjust the relative positioning of the leaflets of valve 4, and then stent 50 is deployed in the blood vessel. Following the deploying of stent 50 in the blood vessel, flexible member 42 exerts tension force on stent 50. In order to distribute tension along the length of stent 1400, stent 1400 is shaped so as to define tension-distributing element 1160.

As shown in FIG. 14B, tension-distributing element 1160 comprises a modular tension-distributing element having a distal tension-distributing element 1162 a and a proximal tension-distributing element 1162 b. Distal tension-distributing element 1162 a and proximal tension-distributing element 1162 b are coupled together by an interconnector 1158 b. Distal tension-distributing element 1162 a and proximal tension-distributing element 1162 b, together with interconnector 1158, assume length L6 of tension-distributing element 1160 that is generally equal to longitudinal length L5 of stent 1400, as shown by way of illustration and not limitation. Each one of lengths L5 and L6, respectively, is between 20 and 120 mm, e.g., 70 mm. It is to be noted that lengths L5 and L6 are shown as being generally equal by way of illustration and not limitation, and that length L6 tension-distributing element 1160 may be smaller than the longitudinal length of the stent, as shown hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 15A-B, for example. That is, the longitudinal length of tension-distributing element 1160 is at least 15% of longitudinal length L5 of stent 1400.

Each one of distal tension-distributing element 1162 a and proximal tension-distributing element 1162 b has a longitudinal length L7 of between 5 and 25 mm.

As shown in FIG. 14C, first portion 1143 of band 1140 is coupled to distal tension-distributing element 1162 a by being threaded through eyelet 1170 of element 1162 a. It is to be noted, however, that portion 1143 of band 1140 may be coupled to both distal tension-distributing element 1162 a and proximal tension-distributing element 1162 b by extending along the longitudinal length of stent 1400. It is to be noted that longer the portion of band 1140 coupled along the longitudinal length of stent 1400, the more force is distributed along the longitudinal length of stent 1400.

It is to be noted that tension-distributing elements 1162 a and 1162 b and mechanical structural elements 1651 are fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing elements 1162 a and 1162 b and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.

As shown in FIG. 14C, tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a, and stent 1400 defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A-B, which are schematic illustrations of a stent 1500 comprising a first portion 1502, a second portion 1504, and a third portion 1506, each of portions 1502, 1504, and 1506 comprising a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 15A shows stent 1500 in an assembled state, and FIG. 15B shows stent 1500 in a flattened state in which stent 1500 is cut longitudinally and flattened, for clarity of illustration. It is to be noted, however, that the configuration shown in FIG. 15A defines the configuration of stent 1500 in a radially-expanded state.

The structural configuration of stent 1500 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1500 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.

Portion 1504 comprises a plurality of struts 1520 each having a width W9 of between 25 and 250 micron, e.g., 100 micron. Struts 1520 are spatially arranged so as to form a plurality of quadrilateral-shaped openings 1522, e.g., diamond-shaped openings.

Portion 1506 comprises a plurality of struts 1530 each having a width W10 of between 50 and 500 micron, e.g., 200 micron. Struts 1530 are spatially arranged so as to form a plurality of peaks 1152 and valleys 1154.

Struts 1520 of portion 1504 are longer and thinner than struts 1530 of portion 1506. Thus, portion 1506 exerts a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1500 than portion 1504 of stent 1500. Additionally, the relative spatial arrangement of struts 1530 of portion 1506 (as compared with the relative spatial arrangement of struts 1520 of portion 1504) enables portion 1506 to exert a greater radial force on surrounding tissue than portion 1504.

Portion 1502 of stent 1500 is shaped so as to provide a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. Stent 1400 comprises a plurality of interconnectors 1158 (e.g., vertical interconnectors, as shown). As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151 a and 1151 b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.

Each one of interconnectors 1158 of portion 1502 has a length of between 4 and 25 mm, e.g., 9 mm. Taken together, peaks 1152, valleys 1154, and interconnectors 1158 of portions 1502 impart a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1500 than portions 1504 and 1506 of stent 1500. Such a configuration of stent 1500 provides an endoluminal implant which has one or more portions (e.g., portions 1504 and 1506) that exert less radial force on surrounding tissues than portion 1502; thus, stent 1500 is configured to be placed in a blood vessel (e.g., the inferior vena cava) that is surrounded by organs. For applications in which stent 1500 is placed within the blood vessel that is surrounded by organs, portion 1504 of stent 1500 exerts less radial force on the surrounding organs than portion 1502.

Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1500 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1500 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1500.

Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.

Stent 1500 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 11C. Couplers 1159 are shaped so as to surround and engage a plurality of tabs provided on shaft 1016 of tool 1002.

Stent 1500 is couplable to flexible band 1140 in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 13A-C and 14A-C. Flexible band 1140, in turn, is coupled at a second portion (i.e., a distal portion thereof) to tissue anchor 40. As described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., in the anteroposterior commissure), then stent 50 is pulled in order to apply tension to flexible member 42 (e.g., band 1140) in order to adjust the relative positioning of the leaflets of valve 4, and then stent 50 is deployed in the blood vessel. Following the deploying of stent 50 in the blood vessel, flexible member 42 exerts tension force on stent 50. In order to distribute tension along the length of stent 1500, stent 1500 is shaped so as to define tension-distributing element 1160.

As shown in FIG. 15B, tension-distributing element 1160 comprises a distal tension-distributing element 1163. Distal tension-distributing element 1163 has a longitudinal length L11 of between 10 and 60 mm. That is, the longitudinal length of tension-distributing element 1160 is at least 15% of longitudinal length L5 of stent 1500.

A first portion of band 1140 is coupled to distal tension-distributing element 1163 is configured to be threaded through eyelet 1170 of element 1163.

It is to be noted that tension-distributing element 1163 and mechanical structural elements 1651 may be fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing element 1163 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.

Stent 1500 defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b.

The structural configuration of stent 1500 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1500 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-B, which are schematic illustrations of a stent system 1600 comprising a first stent 50 a and a second stent 50 b shaped so as to be concentrically disposed within a lumen of stent 50 a and facilitate anchoring of stent 50 a in the blood vessel, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Stent 50 a, as shown in FIGS. 16A-B comprises stent 1400 as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 14A-C. It is to be noted, however, that stent 50 a may comprise any one of the stents shown in FIGS. 1D, 13A-C, 14A-C, and 15A-B. It is to be noted that stents 50 a and 50 b define respective radially-expandable percutaneous, e.g., endoluminal, implants.

Stent 50 a comprises a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 that are arranged so as to form a first tubular structure having a lumen 1652 in a radially-expanded state of stent 50 a that has an inner diameter D5 of between 18 and 45 mm, e.g., 24 mm, 28 mm, or 32 mm.

Stent 50 b comprises a radially-expandable implant 1610 that comprises a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 that are arranged so as to form a second tubular structure. Implant 1610 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of tissue-engaging structures 1612 which protrude from the generally-tubular structure of implant 1610. For example, structures 1612 comprise barbs. Implant 1610 has an outer diameter D4 in a radially-expanded state of implant 1610, excluding tissue-engaging elements 1612, of between 18 and 45 mm, e.g., 24 mm, 28 mm, or 32 mm. Diameter D4 enables implant 1610 to expand at least as large as the inner diameter D5 of lumen 1652 of stent 50 b. When implant 1610 expands to assume its expanded state within lumen 1652, as shown in FIG. 16B, tissue-engaging structures 1612 extend between mechanical structural elements 1651 of stent 50 a in order to engage and be anchored to tissue of the blood vessel. Since elements 1612 extend between mechanical structural elements 1651 of stent 50 a, stent 50 b of implant 1610 facilitates anchoring of stent 50 a in the blood vessel.

Tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60 a, stent 50 a defines second tissue-engaging element 60 b, and stent 50 b defines third tissue-engaging element 60 c.

As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in first implantation site 30, and then stent 50 b is deployed in the blood vessel. Following the deploying of stent 50 b in the blood vessel, implant 1610 is position and deployed within lumen 1652 of stent 50 a.

As described hereinabove, following implantation of stent 50 a in the blood vessel, tension is applied to stent 50 a by flexible member 42 (e.g., band 1140), which may cause migration of stent 50 a within the blood vessel. By deploying stent 50 b within lumen 1652 of stent 50 a, tissue-engaging structures 1612 expand between mechanical structural elements 1651 of stent 50 a in order to engage tissue of the blood vessel and anchor stent 50 a to the blood vessel. Additionally, the expanding of stent 50 b within lumen 1652 of stent 50 a provides additional radial force of stent 50 b in its expanded state against stent 50 b, in order to apply additional radial force of stent 50 a against the blood vessel.

The structural configuration of implant 1610 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of implant 1610 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter. It is to be noted that mechanical structural elements 1651 may be arranged in a relative spatial orientation that is different from the orientation shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 shows a system 1700 for implanting second tissue-engaging element 60 b in a blood vessel other than inferior vena cava 8 and superior vena cava 10, e.g., left hepatic vein 11, as shown, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. It is to be noted that second tissue-engaging element 60 b comprises stent 1400 as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 14A-C, by way of illustration and not limitation. It is to be noted that second tissue-engaging element 60 b may comprise any one of the stents or endoluminal implants shown in FIGS. 1D, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, and 16A-B. First and second tissue-engaging elements 60 a and 60 b are implanted at first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 7A-D, 11A-C, and 12A-C. It is to be noted that for applications in which second tissue-engaging element 60 b is implanted in the hepatic vein, element 60 b in an expanded state thereof has an outer diameter of between 8.5 and 12 mm, and has a length of between 17 and 36 mm.

For some applications, flexible member 42 comprises band 1140, as described hereinabove.

For applications in which second implantation site 52 includes left hepatic vein 11, flexible member 42 has a length of between 150 and 300 mm, e.g., 200 mm.

It is to be noted that although implantation site 52 includes a portion of left hepatic vein 11, implantation site 52 may be a portion of a right hepatic vein or a middle hepatic vein.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A-D. For applications in which second implantation site 52 includes inferior vena cava 8 or superior vena cava 10, flexible member 42 has a length of between 20 and 80 mm, e.g., between 40 and 60 mm.

It is to be noted that the scope of the present invention includes implanting second tissue-engaging element 60 b in a coronary sinus of the patient. For such an application, flexible member has a length of between 10 and 40 mm, e.g., 20 mm.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, and 16A-B. It is to be noted that any suitable configuration of tension-distributing element 1160 shown in any of FIGS. 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, and 16A-B may be part of any of stents 1150, 1400, or 1500 shown in FIGS. 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, and 16A-B.

FIG. 19 shows a system 2500 comprising an endoluminal percutaneous implant 2504 comprising two or more radially-expandable rings 2502 a and 2502 b which define second tissue-engaging element 60 b, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Rings 2502 a and 2502 b are shown as being elliptical by way of illustration and not limitation, and that rings 2502 a and 2502 b may be circular. Implant 2504 is coupled to a portion of longitudinal member 42 at a junction between rings 2502 a and 2502 b, by way of illustration and not limitation.

First and second elements 60 a and 60 b are implanted in manner as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 7A-D, 11A-C, and 12A-C. During the advancement of implant 2504, implant 2504 is crimped and radially-compressed within a sheath. For example, implant 2504 may be advanced within sheath 1190, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 11A-C and 12A-C.

Implant 2504 exerts a strong radial force on tissue of the blood vessel while defining a low profile volume of mechanical structural elements.

It is to be noted that although second implantation site 52 includes a portion of inferior vena cava 8, second implantation site may include a portion of superior vena cava 10, hepatic vein 11, or any other suitable blood vessel.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6, 7A-D, 8, 9, 10A-D, 11A-C, 12A-C, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, 17, 18A-B, and 19. It is to be noted that apparatus and methods described herein for repairing tricuspid valve 4 may also be applied to repair any other heart valve of the patient, e.g., a mitral valve, a pulmonary valve, or an aortic valve. For such applications, second implantation site 52 may include a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with the left atrium of the patient, e.g., a pulmonary vein, a portion of the wall of the left atrium, a portion of the annulus of the mitral valve, or a portion of the left ventricle of the heart of the patient, and first implantation site 30 may include a portion of the wall of the left atrium, a portion of the annulus of the mitral valve, or a portion of the left ventricle of the heart of the patient.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6, 7A-D, 8, 9, 10A-D, 11A-C, 12A-C, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, 17, 18A-B, and 19. It is to be noted that any one of stents 1150, 1400, and 1500 may be used in place of any one of stents 50 shown in FIGS. 1D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 4B-C, 6, 7A-D, 8, 9, 16A-B, and 17. It is to be further noted that system 1000 shown in FIGS. 11A-C and 12A-C may be used to implant any tissue anchor 40 described herein and stent 50 described herein. Specifically, system 1000 shown in FIGS. 11A-C and 12A-C may be used in place of system 200, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 7A-D.

Reference is yet again made to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-C, 5A-B, 6, 7A-D, 8, 9, 10A-D, 11A-C, 12A-C, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, 17, 18A-B, and 19. It is to be noted that any suitable number of tissue-engaging elements 60 may be implanted in and/or grasp cardiac tissue, depending on the needs of a given patient. Typically, one or more tissue-engaging elements 60 is/are implanted in cardiac tissue (e.g., tissue of the annulus, tissue of the wall of the atrium adjacent the valve, or tissue of the wall of the ventricle adjacent the valve) in a vicinity of the valve that is between the middle of the anterior leaflet and the middle of the posterior leaflet, e.g., at the commissure between the middle of the anterior leaflet and the middle of the posterior leaflet. For such an application, pulling together implantation sites 30 and 52 pulls anterior leaflet 14 toward septal leaflet 12 and thereby achieves bicuspidization of tricuspid valve 4. It is to be noted, however, that tissue-engaging elements 60 may be implanted in portions of tissue in the vicinity of any portion of the annulus of valve 4.

Reference is still yet again made to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-B, 3A-C, 4A-C, and 5A-B, 6, 7A-D, 8, 9, 10A-D, 11A-C, 12A-C, 13A-C, 14A-C, 15A-B, 16A-B, 17, 18A-B, and 19. It is to be noted that the adjustment of the distance between the respective implantation sites of the tissue-engaging elements 60 is facilitated by adjusting mechanism 150 following initial implantation of the tissue-engaging elements 60 and the repair of the valve and/or the adjustment of the heart wall geometry.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. Apparatus, comprising: a tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis; an adapter head coupled to a proximal portion of the tissue anchor, the adapter head being shaped so as to define an annular element; a connecting element coupled to the proximal portion of the tissue anchor via the adapter head, the connecting element being shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a portion of the adapter head, the annular loop being centered around the central longitudinal axis, the annular loop defining an opening having a diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the annular element of the adapter head such that the annular loop is axially constrained between (1) the annular element of the adapter head and (2) a proximal end of the tissue anchor; and a flexible longitudinal member coupled to the connecting element, the annular loop of the connecting element facilitating rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the tissue anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop and the flexible longitudinal member.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal member comprises a plurality of fibers.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers are arranged such that the longitudinal member has a length of between 20 mm and 80 mm, a width of between 1 and 4 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers are interwoven so as to form a fabric.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a radially-expandable percutaneous implant that is coupled to the tissue anchor via the flexible longitudinal member, wherein the annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the tissue anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and radially-expandable percutaneous implant.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a tube, which is sized to pass through a lumen defined by the percutaneous implant, the tube having at least one tube lumen, and a torque-delivering tool configured for slidable passage through the tube, the torque-delivering tool is configured to be removably coupled to the tissue anchor, such that rotation of the torque-delivering tool rotates the tissue anchor.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a sheath configured to surround the percutaneous implant such that the percutaneous implant is maintained in a crimped state when the sheath surrounds the implant, and wherein the sheath is slidable with respect to the tube in order to expose the implant from within the sheath.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a secondary tube through which a guidewire may be passed, the secondary tube being configured to be disposed alongside the tube surrounding the torque-delivering tool, the guidewire being configured to facilitate guiding of the apparatus through vasculature of a patient.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: the connecting element is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler at a proximal portion thereof that is proximal to the annular loop, the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler is coupled to the portion of the flexible longitudinal member, and the torque-delivering tool passes alongside the flexible longitudinal member in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the tissue anchor.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an anti-entanglement device coupled to the tube at a distal portion thereof, wherein the anti-entanglement device is configured to restrict entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during (1) rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the tissue anchor, and (2) rotation of the tissue anchor with respect to the surrounding annular loop of the connecting element.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the anti-entanglement device is configured to be disposed adjacently to the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the tissue anchor.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 6: wherein the torque-delivering tool comprises a first coupling at a distal end thereof, wherein the adapter head comprises a second coupling reversibly couplable to the first coupling in a manner which: (1) couples the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member to the torque-delivering tool when the first and second couplings are coupled together, and (2) decouples the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member from the torque-delivering tool when the first and second couplings are not coupled together, wherein, when the distal end of the tool is surrounded by the tube, the first and second couplings are disposed within the tube and are engaged, wherein the torque-delivering tool is slidable within the tube so as to expose the distal end of the tool and the first and second couplings from within the tube in order to facilitate disengaging of the couplings, wherein the apparatus further comprises a proximal handle portion coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, the handle portion comprising: a holder having a recess, the holder being coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, and an anchor-deployment actuator comprising a proximal knob and a distal protrusion slidable within the recess of the holder, wherein the anchor-deployment actuator is coupled to a proximal portion of the torque-delivering tool, wherein the anchor-deployment actuator is rotatable to rotate the torque-delivering tool and the tissue anchor, and wherein, during a pushed state of the anchor-deployment actuator, the protrusion slides distally within the recess of the holder, and responsively, the torque-delivering tool is pushed distally to expose the first and second couplings from within the tube and disengage the first and second couplings.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: the torque-delivering tool comprises a first coupling at a distal end thereof, the adapter head comprises a second coupling reversibly couplable to the first coupling in a manner which: (1) couples the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member to the torque-delivering tool when the first and second couplings are coupled together, and (2) decouples the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member from the torque-delivering tool when the first and second couplings are not coupled together, and the proximal portion of the tissue anchor is shaped so as to define (1) an opening at the proximal end of the tissue anchor and (2) a passage through the proximal portion of the tissue anchor, and wherein the adapter head is shaped so as to define a distal protrusion sized so as to fit within the passage, thereby coupling the adapter head to the tissue anchor.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: a portion of the adapter head that is between the distal protrusion and the second coupling is shaped so as to define a longest dimension at a first cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor, the annular loop of the connecting element is shaped so as to define a longest dimension at a second cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor, and the annular element of the adapter head is disposed coaxially proximally to the annular loop along the longitudinal axis in a manner which restricts decoupling of the connecting element from the tissue anchor.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the torque-delivering tool advances the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member through the tube while the first and second couplings are coupled together and when torque-delivering tool is coupled to the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the percutaneous implant comprises an endoluminal implant comprising a stent.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a first section of the stent comprises two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and wherein the first section comprises a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: the two or more coaxial annular ring portions comprise first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction, each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective one of the plurality of interconnectors to a respective one of the plurality of valleys of the second annular ring portion, and each one of the peaks in a distal portion of the stent points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within the sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the stent is shaped so as to define a first section configured, in a radially-expanded state of the stent, to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than a second section of the stent.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first section comprises two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peak and valleys, and wherein the first section comprises a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: the two or more coaxial annular ring portions comprise first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein: the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction, each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective one of the plurality of interconnectors to a respective one of the plurality of valleys of the second annular ring portion, and each one of the peaks in a distal portion of the stent points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within the sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the second section comprises a plurality of vertical elements extending from the first portion.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the vertical elements each have a length of between 10 and 80 mm.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the adapter head is shaped so as to define a distal tissue-anchor coupling element which has an outer diameter that is equal to or less than a diameter of a lumen of the tissue anchor and the tissue-anchor coupling element is fixed within the lumen of the tissue anchor to couple the connecting element to the tissue anchor.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the distal tissue-anchor coupling element is welded to the proximal portion of anchor in order to couple the adapter head and thereby the connecting element to the tissue anchor.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein: the connecting element is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler at a proximal portion of the connecting element, the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler is shaped so as to define an opening configured for coupling of the flexible longitudinal member to the connecting element, and the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler is disposed offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the torque-delivering tool delivers the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member through the tube while the first and second couplings are coupled together and when torque-delivering tool is coupled to the tissue anchor, the connecting element, the adapter head, and the flexible longitudinal member.
 30. A method, comprising: providing (a) a tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (b) an adapter head coupled to a proximal portion of the tissue anchor, the adapter head being shaped so as to define an annular element, (c) a connecting element coupled to the proximal portion of the tissue anchor via the adapter head, the connecting element being shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a portion of the adapter head, the annular loop being disposed coaxially with respect to the proximal portion of the tissue anchor and perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis, the annular loop defining an opening having a diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the annular element of the adapter head such that the annular loop is axially constrained between (1) the annular element of the adapter head and (2) a proximal end of the tissue anchor, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which is coupled to the connecting element; delivering into a heart of a patient the tissue anchor, the adapter head, the connecting element, and the flexible longitudinal member, while the adapter head and the connecting element are coupled to the tissue anchor, and the flexible longitudinal member is coupled to the connecting element; and coupling the tissue anchor to tissue in a vicinity of the heart valve of the patient by rotating the tissue anchor with respect to the annular loop and the longitudinal member, the annular loop of the connecting element facilitating the rotating of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the tissue anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop and the flexible longitudinal member.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein providing comprises providing a radially-expandable percutaneous implant that is coupled to the tissue anchor via the flexible longitudinal member, and wherein rotating comprises rotating the tissue anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the radially-expandable percutaneous implant.
 32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: positioning the radially-expandable percutaneous implant in a blood vessel of the patient; and after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue, deploying the radially-expandable percutaneous implant such that the implant expands and is implanted in the blood vessel at an implantation site.
 33. The method according to claim 32, further comprising, after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue and before deploying the percutaneous implant, pulling the tissue anchor toward the implantation site.
 34. The method according to claim 32, wherein the blood vessel is selected from the group of blood vessels consisting of: a superior vena cave, an inferior vena cave, a coronary sinus, and a hepatic vein.
 35. A method, comprising: providing (a) a tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (b) an adapter head coupled to a proximal portion of the tissue anchor, the adapter head being shaped so as to define an annular element, (c) a connecting element coupled to the proximal portion of the tissue anchor via the adapter head, the connecting element being shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a portion of the adapter head, the annular loop being disposed coaxially with respect to the proximal portion of the tissue anchor and perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis, the annular loop defining an opening having a diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the annular element of the adapter head such that the annular loop is axially constrained between (1) the annular element of the adapter head and (2) a proximal end of the tissue anchor, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which is coupled to the connecting element; delivering into a heart of a patient the tissue anchor, the adapter head, the connecting element, and the flexible longitudinal member, while the adapter head and the connecting element are coupled to the tissue anchor, and the flexible longitudinal member is coupled to the connecting element; and rotating the tissue anchor with respect to the annular loop and the longitudinal member while restricting rotation of the flexible longitudinal member, the annular loop of the connecting element facilitating the rotating of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the tissue anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop and the flexible longitudinal member.
 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein providing comprises providing a radially-expandable percutaneous implant that is coupled to the tissue anchor via the flexible longitudinal member, and wherein rotating comprises rotating the tissue anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the radially-expandable percutaneous implant. 